What happened:
On November 9, 2023, students found three symbols which appeared to be Nazi swastikas drawn on three white boards in common spaces in a dorm. The students photographed and erased them.
The incidents have been shared with the Stanford University Department of Public Safety (DPS), which is reviewing facts to determine if they would result in a violation of the California Penal Code section addressing hate crimes. Hateful words or symbols intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (in this case, Jewish community members in particular, as well as many other groups) is contrary to Stanford’s values. It is absolutely unacceptable here.
What is being done:
Updated as of 11/12/23
A PIH Report was submitted on 11/09/23.
The Resident Fellows sent out a dorm-wide email condemning the incidents, offering one-on-one processing space, and resources.
If the DPS review results in a determination that the facts amount to a violation of the California Penal Code section addressing hate crimes, the act could be subject to legal and/or disciplinary action.
The Office for Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) and Hillel staff are aware of the incident and can serve as support systems for students.
What to do:
- If you have any information that may assist with this investigation, call DPS at (650) 329-2413 (24/7) and ask to speak to an investigator.
- Rabbi Kirschner, a chaplain affiliate with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Executive Director at Hillel, is always available to talk individually to students seeking support. All other ORSL Deans can be contacted, as well. Feel free to contact them or visit them in their physical spaces.
- Students needing assistance are invited to reach out to these mental health resources and faculty/staff can reach out to the Faculty Staff Help Center.
- If you experience bias or discrimination, please file a Protected Identity Harm report.
