Three Jewish Students Dorm Rooms Vandalized at University of Denver

The dorm rooms of three Jewish students at the University of Denver (DU) were vandalized sometime during the timeframe of February 9-12.

StandWithUs announced in a press release that one student’s dorm was smeared with pork and the pork was left in front of their doorstep; two other students’ dorms had their mezuzahs torn down. 

University Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence Todd Adams said in a February 13 letter to student that the university investigating the matter. “We want to be very clear that these acts are NOT acceptable within DU’s community, and acknowledge the harm that has been caused to members of our community,” Adams said. “Every student, faculty, and staff member deserves a place to live, learn, and work that is respectful, welcoming, and safe. Each of us shares the responsibility to foster that environment through our actions.”

He also urged “community members to be accountable for our community. This means holding oneself and one’s community responsible when harm is caused, seeking ways to prevent harmful acts from occurring in the future, as well as engaging in campus life, including cultural and educational opportunities, to make connections across the DU campus.”

The Hillel of Colorado said in a statement, “We are shocked and angry to learn about three acts of antisemitism at our University of Denver campus this week. We have confirmed that three students had mezuzot … taken down and defiled and one had pork products glued to their door. Small acts of hate lead to bigger ones and make life unsafe for all students.” The statement concluded with a call to “stand up for your Jewish friends and do not be a bystander.”

StandWithUs CEO and Co-Founder Roz Rothstein said in a statement, “As a daughter of Holocaust survivors, I am shocked and horrified by the religious nature of these antisemitic assaults taking place in 2023. It is no coincidence that the rise in anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish rhetoric and campaigns on campus have contributed to a rise in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish students. University administrators must recognize this problem and address antisemitism on their campuses swiftly and seriously.”

.@StandWithUs announces that the dorm rooms of 3 Jewish students were vandalized at the University of Denver. One student's dorm room door was smeared with pork and two others had their mezuzahs ripped off. pic.twitter.com/gjMmjAiqE7

— Aaron Bandler (@bandlersbanter) February 15, 2023

Here's the university's statement on the matter pic.twitter.com/lfXI6sQstQ

— Aaron Bandler (@bandlersbanter) February 15, 2023

And here's a photo of the pork vandalism pic.twitter.com/UVGh6e93Kh

— Aaron Bandler (@bandlersbanter) February 15, 2023

Stop Antisemitism tweeted, “Antisemitism is skyrocketing in the U.S., specifically on university campuses. Often times, administrations attempt to brush these types of incidents under the rug. We need to ensure that doesn’t happen and a full investigation happens.”

Antisemitism is skyrocketing in the U.S., specifically on university campuses. Often times, administrations attempt to brush these types of incidents under the rug.

We need to ensure that doesn't happen and a full investigation happens @denverpost @DenverChannel @KyleClark

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 15, 2023