From President Frank H. Wu:

On March 21, I alerted the college community to “the discovery of offensive antisemitic graffiti in a few bathrooms on campus.” I am writing to update you on the steps that have been taken since the discovery.

Immediately upon receiving reports of the graffiti, Public Safety opened an investigation and contacted the 107th precinct of the NYPD. All graffiti has been documented as appropriate and has been removed or is in the process of being removed. The NYPD has classified one instance of the graffiti as a hate crime and the others as criminal mischief. Their investigation is ongoing. We are fully cooperating in every way.

Let me be clear: Antisemitism has absolutely no place on the Queens College campus. In our diverse community, each individual is valued and must not be denigrated on the basis of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, or any other characteristic. It is our goal to provide a safe space for all who choose to study and work here. We appreciate that as we encounter these deplorable and deeply concerning situations, some members of our diverse community experience them with a greater sense of threat. We call out the specific nature of these forms of prejudice as antisemitism, even while we embrace the general values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Please review my Message to the Community about University Policies. Allow me to call your attention to one specific point: “However, the rights of free speech are not limitless. The college will not tolerate conduct that violates the law or CUNY policy. It is essential that all members of our community familiarize themselves with and abide by the rules that are designed to uphold civility and maintain a safe environment, both in and out of the classroom. Members of our campus community are expected to show respect to one another at all times.”

I would like to thank the individuals who reported the hateful and abhorrent antisemitic graffiti to Public Safety allowing the situation was able to be addressed in an expeditious manner. Anyone who feels endangered or believes their rights have been violated should immediately notify Public Safety (718-997-5911 or publicsafety@qc.cuny.edu) or Chief Diversity Officer and Dean of Diversity Jerima DeWese (complianceanddiversity@qc.cuny.edu).