Swastikas Drawn on Yale College Steps

Yale is cleaning up after some anti-Semitic drawings were found on campus on Sunday.

Three swastikas were found drawn in chalk outside Durfee Hall at Yale College, a part of Yale University, on the Old Campus, Yale College Dean Jonathan Holloway, a professor of African-American studies, history and American studies, said he was "saddened to report" in an email to the college community.

While "attempts were made to remove these troubling images," Holloway said that some "faint impressions" remain.

"I condemn this shameful defacement, perpetrated anonymously under cover of night. The swastika, appropriated by the Nazis in the last century as an emblem of anti-Semitism, is particularly offensive and disrespectful toward the Jewish members of our community, but, in truth, it insults us all," Holloway said in his email. "The use of the swastika violates our values of respect, thoughtfulness, generosity, and goodwill. I will not stand idly by when this or other symbols of hate are used on this campus. It is my hope that you will join me in taking a similar stand."

In response to the offensive drawings, some members of the Yale community wrote anti-hate messages. One drawing on the stairs says "no hate zone" and has hearts drawn in chalk around it.

Holloway said that Yale College is committed to "welcoming views from all walks of life, embracing diversity, and promoting openness," he said.

"These efforts go to the core of our mission as an academic community, which thrives only insofar as it is inclusive toward everyone," Halloway said. "Even more, these efforts go to the core of what it means to a community that values decency and civility. Let's work together to make sure that we respect these bedrock principles."

Yale asks anyone who knows drew the swastikas to call campus police at 203-432-4400.

Contact Us