After anti-Semitic and racist vandalism was reported at UNC’s Campus Y, a group described as “the largest and most vibrant advocacy and public service student organization,” numerous campus officials have denounced the hateful actions with unifying statements and resolutions.
Last week, UNC shared a message with the campus community saying a suspect entered the Campus Y and left anti-Semitic vandalism over the weekend of January 23. The incident was reported to UNC Police who have since identified the suspect and issued two warrants for the person’s arrest.
As of Monday February 1, the suspect has been apprehended and is currently undergoing medical evaluation. Campus officials say they will be released to law enforcement and the two arrest warrants will be served as soon as the evaluation is complete.
On the Campus Y’s Facebook page, the co-presidents described the scene they found once the vandalism was discovered, stating that the office was left “in shambles,” Confederate flag imagery was scattered along tables and sofas and racial slurs were left on the whiteboard.
In the days following the vandalism, Chair of the Faculty Executive Committee, Mimi Chapman, convened a special meeting on Friday, January 29 to enact a resolution to “condemn actions that target marginalized groups.”
“The reason that I called this meeting when I did is because Faculty Council does not meet until February the 18th,” Chapman said. “I think by that time this issue will have lost its immediacy.”
The Faculty Executive Committee represents UNC’s faculty in advising the university administration, planning and setting university priorities and supporting the university’s mission to “embrace an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
The resolution passed unanimously reads: “Be it resolved that the Faculty Executive Committee affirms and supports the members and leadership of the Campus Y in the wake of the disturbing and hateful attack on their offices.”
Chapman said she felt it was apt to not only condemn these hateful actions, but to also applaud the Campus Y’s response. In their own statement, the Campus Y co-presidents said they hope the suspect receives the “proper support and rehabilitation necessary,” asking that the individual receives the care they need by informed providers before being turned over to law enforcement.
“To have been attacked in the way that those students were – and the co-chairs, you know there was threatening stuff left for them by name – and yet their statement was so empathic,” Chapman said. “It really was nuanced. It wasn’t just ‘this is deplorable,’ it was ‘this is deplorable and we want to stay true to our values in being concerned for people.’”
In addition to the Faculty Executive Committee, UNC Student Body President, Reeves Moseley, spoke out about the injustice at the Y, expressing his support for the students and student leaders who were impacted by the vandalism and threats to personal safety.
“This hateful attack on the Campus Y provides a stark reminder that, despite the progress made thus far, there is still more work to be done to actively support and protect marginalized communities.” Moseley said. “We as an entity must continue to stand up and fight against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination wholeheartedly.”
Read more about the Campus Y incident here.
Lead photo via the Campus Y.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
