What happened:
On February 28, 2023, a student found hateful language and symbols scratched into a metal panel on the bathroom wall in a men’s bathroom in the History Corner of the Main Quad. Specifically, this vandalism was in the form of multiple Nazi swastikas, the n-word, and the letters “KKK”.
On March 3, a Nazi swastika with “KKK” surrounding it was carved into the wall of a men’s handicapped bathroom stall. The bathroom was located on the first floor of Building 170.
Both incidents are classified as a hate crime under CA Penal Code section 422.6(b). Vandalizing property particularly with words intended to threaten and intimidate individuals (specifically in this case Black and Jewish communities) is contrary to Stanford’s values. It is absolutely unacceptable in our community.
What is being done:
Updated as of 03/08/23 at 9:00 am
A PIH for the second incident was received on 3/03/23.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) also received a report and have classified it as a hate crime.
The vandalized damage was reported to the building manager and has been painted over.
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.
Sofa Sessions is a monthly gathering for Black students to seek support regarding race based trauma, critical incidents on campus and/or nationwide, or are in need of connection in community. The next gathering will be on Monday, March 13th at 6:00 pm in EVGR-B Room 170 and dinner will be provided. Students can RSVP using this form. The sessions are sponsored and facilitated by the Black CAPS team.
Updated as 03/02/23 at 9:30 pm
Resources such as Hillel and ORSL (including Rabbi Kirschner and Rabbi Hahn Tapper) are always available to students. The community is welcome to come to Shabbat on 03/03 (with services at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm) in Koret Pavilion.
There will also be a community processing space to talk about antisemitism on Monday 3/6 from 12-1pm in the living room of Taube Hillel House.
Updated as of 03/02/23 at 12:30 pm
A PIH Report was submitted on 02/28/23.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) also received a report and have classified it as a hate crime.
The vandalized damage was reported to the building manager and has been painted over.
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), Hillel and The Black Community Services Center (Black House) staff are aware of the incident and can serve as support systems for students. Black House staff can be reached at stanfordbcsc@stanford.edu, ORSL at stanfordorsl@stanford.edu, or Hillel at hillelatstanford@stanford.edu or visit the physical spaces.
BCSC will be holding its regular Community Check-in with Black CAPS on March 16 from 6-7 pm in the BCSC Community Room.
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.
- 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.
- Self-care equals community care. If you want to learn more about antisemitism or anti-Black racism and how you can address it, visit the Stanford Against Hate website.
If you experience bias or discrimination, please file a Protected Identity Harm report.