Syracuse University faced a slew of racist and anti-Semitic incidents this month – at least 12 instances of slurs and threats on campus – leading to a spike in student unrest.
Incidents included vandalism, targeted emails and verbal harassment. Racist slurs were repeatedly found on campus buildings, featuring “language derogatory to African-Americans,” “racist language that is derogatory to Asians” and swastikas, according to Syracuse University Department of Public Safety notices. A post-it note with “anti-Native American language” was also found.
Additionally, a group of students yelled the N-word at a Black student as she left the Alpha Chi Rho frat house, leading to the fraternity’s suspension and the suspension of all fraternity activity. An email with anti-Semitic language was also sent to a faculty member.
Campus climate for students and faculty of color remains tense.
A Syracuse University student – Kym McGowan, 18 – was arrested on Thursday for graffiti in support of students protesting the series of racist incidents. She was arrested in connection with four instances of graffiti and charged with two misdemeanors, fourth-degree criminal mischief and marking graffiti.
Dr. Kishi Animashaun Ducre – an associate professor of African American Studies and associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion – described the last two weeks as “exhausting.”
“It just kept coming,” she said. “For someone who’s trying to get a handle and trying to take care of others and make sure everyone gets what they need, it’s just been a lot.”
