Another antisemitic and racist incident hit Miami University last weekend, adding to a growing number this semester.
There were two antisemitic messages and one racist message were found at Tappan Hall, according to an email that was sent to the residents of that dorm by Miami University’s Dean of Students BaShaun Smith.
One of the antisemitic messages was found on a student’s door, while the other two messages were discovered in a communal bathroom within the hall.
“This deplorable behavior is a direct contradiction of our values and the welcoming community we strive to be at Miami. We unequivocally condemn these acts of hate,” Smith wrote. “Please be aware that if you are responsible for writing these hateful messages, we are committed to investigating fully and utilizing every resource available to hold you accountable under the university’s conduct policies.”
Miami Hillel Executive Director Sarah Shmoel wrote to the Hillel community they aware of four incidents of hateful vandalism targeting Jewish and Black students in residence halls since September. Most recently, hateful rhetoric was found vandalizing a residence hall bathroom, hallway, and on students’ doors.
“While the content has varied, the impact on our students has been significant,” Shmoel said. “News of the most recent incident, hateful phrases toward the Jewish and Black communities in a residence hall bathroom, hallway, and students’ door, has circulated widely among students and families and has raised understandable concern.”
Shmoel said that she doesn’t consider this an uptick in antisemitic incidents.
“I think this type of antisemitism is standard, as we have seen graffiti all over Cincinnati,” she said. “What made it escalate is it is continuing and the University not finding the perpetrators.”
According to Hillel International, Miami has about 1,000 Jewish students, representing 6 percent of the student population.
Miami Chabad Rabbi Yossi Greenberg said that while the incidents are a problem, the students he’s spoken to don’t feel unsafe on campus.
“It’s not enough to alarm our students,” Greenberg said. “We’re dealing with it head on…and Miami has been nothing but helpful. They take it very seriously and personally when their reputation is on the line.”
Shmoel said that Hillel is in close communication with university administration and local law enforcement to ensure swift action and accountability.
“Our priority is protecting Jewish students and all students,” she said. “The Jewish community at Miami U is remarkable, we are inspired by the support and students’ resilience in the face of these challenges.”
