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Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety is investigating a bias incident in which two students discovered a drawing of a cartoon character with a “Hitler style mustache” on a whiteboard in Sadler Hall.

The two students discovered the drawing on Sunday, according to a Monday afternoon DPS release. The image reportedly depicted an “unrelated cartoon character” with the mustache, along with the words “Nein Nein.” DPS determined that someone had previously erased the drawing from the whiteboard before the students discovered it.

DPS is reviewing security camera footage in Sadler and speaking with the dorm’s residents to determine who may have drawn the bias-motivated image. The department did not say whether it has identified any suspects or persons-of-interest.

“The University’s priority is the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community and is committed to upholding a respectful environment,” Craig Stone, DPS chief and associate vice president, said in the release. “We take these matters very seriously and will promptly investigate all such reports.”

After the two impacted students reported the incident, DPS officers met with them to refer them to support resources. Anyone with information should contact the department, the release states.

Sunday’s incident marks the fourth reported bias incident of the fall semester, with the most recent prior incident occurring on Wednesday, Nov. 6. It’s also the second instance of antisemitic graffiti this semester — the first being reported at Watson Hall in late September.

Campus community members can anonymously report information to DPS through its Silent Witness tool or the Orange Safe app. To report a bias incident, visit the STOP Bias website, or contact DPS at (315) 443-3514 or stopbias@syr.edu. The university also offers several resources to those impacted by bias.

Published on November 11, 2024 at 2:53 pm

Contact Julia: jmboehni@syr.edu