What happened:
On November 7, 2023, a staff member found a Nazi swastika scratched into the wall of one of the stalls in a men’s restroom in the Lathrop Library building.
The incident was reported to the Stanford University Department of Public Safety (DPS), which classified the case as a hate crime. Vandalizing property with words or symbols intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (in this case, Jewish community members) is contrary to Stanford’s values. It is absolutely unacceptable here.
What is being done:
Updated as of 11/09/23
A PIH Report was submitted on 11/08/23.
DPS is investigating the incident under the Jeanne Clery Act and CA Education Code 67380, which requires the University to record and publish the number of hate incidents occurring on campus.
The vandalized damage was reported, DPS collected evidence, and then the wall was patched.
Because this conduct is deemed a hate crime, it is not considered protected speech and the person(s) who engaged in the conduct could be subject to legal 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. Contact ORSL at stanfordorsl@stanford.edu, or Hillel at hillelatstanford@stanford.edu or visit the physical spaces.
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.
- The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, including the ORSL Deans can be contacted for support, as well.
- 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.
- 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.
