Graffiti featuring a swastika and a shooting threat was found inside a California State University Northridge (CSUN) bathroom on Wednesday.
The graffiti, written in black marker, states: “Mass shooting in Sierra Hall 12/12/18,” with a swastika right below it.
https://twitter.com/Alinoorxd/status/1070518801551155201
It was found in a third floor men’s restroom in Sierra Hall, where the Psychology Department is located.
According to The Los Angeles Times, the aforementioned graffiti was in one of “four or five locations in the bathroom” that had “anti-Semitic and racist messages” scrawled on it. A photo of what appears to be one of the other messages shows the words “Die n*****s and Jews” written in black marker.
“CSUN is aware of the hateful and offensive graffiti in Sierra Hall,” the university said in a statement. “CSUN Police are investigating this use of hateful language and symbols and threat against our community. CSUN condemns this in the strongest possible terms.”
CSUN President Dianne Harrison said in a statement that classes and finals would continue as planned.
“It saddens and angers me that the hate and threat of violence affecting colleges, universities and communities nationwide has come to CSUN,” Harrison said. “There is no place at CSUN for this cowardly act that seeks to intimidate. Students learning in a safe and supportive environment is our top priority.”
CSUN police chief Anne Glavin told NBC Los Angeles that there was “similar hate language in this same building” a week ago.
Anti-Defamation League Los Angeles Regional Director Amanda Susskind tweeted:
This is appalling. Thank you @csunorthridge Pres. Dianne Harrison, Campus Police Chief Anne Glavin for your attention to this. We must remain vigilant whenever the threats of hate-fueled mass violence occur. @LA_ADL https://t.co/1WekkMJxxa, https://t.co/aJahriiUyr
— Amanda Susskind (@AmandaSusskind) December 6, 2018
The university has increased the number of patrols on campus in response to the graffiti. Police have not determined if the threat is credible or not. The investigation remains ongoing.
CSUN’s Chabad, Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter and other Jewish groups on campus will be hosting a communal menorah lighting on Thursday at 4:45 p.m. in front of Oviatt Library to show that the Jewish community isn’t afraid.
