Drake University Hit By Anti-Semitic Vandalism
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — Anti-Semitic vandalism discovered on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is being investigated by the university as a hate crime.
The anti-Semitic slur was discovered carved into a chair in a university lecture hall last week.
“Let me be clear that we will not tolerate acts of oppression and hate, and will do everything in our power to deal with this,” university provost Dr. Sue Mattison said in an email sent to students.
“Regardless of whether it was a big act or a small act it was still an act, and it still showed that there was someone on campus that decided to take the time to carve something into a seat so that other students can see it and instill that fear and that hate that no one should have to feel,” said Tali Eisenstadt, president of Drake Hillel, told WHOTV, the local NBC affiliate.
Drake campus Public Safety removed the chair.
The campus Hillel opened its doors after the incident to anyone who wanted to talk about their fears and concerns. Dozens of students, most but not all Jewish, showed up, according to the report.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
