Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found At Wheaton College
NORTON (CBS) - College administrators, campus and local police are investigating a case of anti-Semitic graffiti on the Jewish Life House at Wheaton College.
None of the students living at the house slept there Sunday night because they were too nervous after a swastika and other offensive images were found spray-painted on the back door, campus officials told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
Podcast
"I am told that this is the latest, and most visible, expression of hate to which these students have been subjected, but not the first," College President Ronald Crutcher said in a statement Monday. "Offensive and derogatory remarks have been shouted from the street, as recently as Friday evening."
"Demeaning, degrading and offensive speech creates a hostile environment for those who are targeted by it, and it impoverishes our entire community by attempting to silence those with whom we may disagree. It also is a violation of the Wheaton Honor Code and our community standards," he said.
Wheaton spokesman Mike Graca said the incident runs counter to what Wheaton is all about.
"We are going to make a strong statement that this won't be tolerated," Graca told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe.
On Monday afternoon, the Anti-Defamation League released a statement condemning the graffiti.
"ADL condemns this anti-Semitic incident, and commends Wheaton College President Ronald Crutcher for immediately making it clear to all that acts of hate will not be tolerated," said Derrek L. Shulman, Regional Director of ADL New England.
"We commend Campus Police and Norton Police for responding swiftly and seriously to this apparent Hate Crime," added Jeffrey Robbins, ADL New England Regional Board of Directors Board Chair. "ADL will continue to work with the campus community, and help it to grow stronger in response to this deeply troubling incident."
If you have any information about these incidents, contact the Wheaton Public Safety Department or Norton police (508) 285-3300.
