A swastika was reportedly found drawn in a bathroom stall at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR), the third such instance of a swastika occurring in a couple of months.
The Nevada Sagebrush student newspaper reports that the swastika was discovered on Oct. 24 in the Raggio building, which houses the College of Education. The university said in a statement to the Journal that the swastika is “poisonous” and “symbol of intimidation and hatred. This symbol is unwanted not only on our campus, but in all civilized places of gathering throughout the world.”
Before the Oct. 24 graffiti, a swastika was found on Aug. 23 in a UNR residence hall and another on Oct. 11 in the Church Fine Arts building. Hillel of Northern Nevada Director Atty Garfinkle-Berry told the local National Public Radio affiliate KUNR on Oct. 22 that the swastikas are “a symbol of murder,” pointing out that “some people don’t necessarily understand it is a symbol of white supremacy. It’s not always poised at one person. It’s broader.”
University President Marc Johnson issued a statement to the campus community on Oct. 17 stating that the recent instances of swastikas are a microcosm of a nationwide problem.
“College campuses throughout the country continue to grapple with issues of free speech, hateful symbols, and how best to come together as a community in order to ensure that there is proper discernment to understand why we all have a personal stake in these issues,” Johnson said. “Our University will not duck from its responsibility to further the discussion and understanding of these important issues, and many others like them.”
