A South Jersey University vowed to combat hate after several swastikas and other anti-Semitic markings were carved onto several doors in a residence hall in the days leading up to Hanukkah.
Rowan University learned of the hateful vandalism using the sign of Nazi Germany on Thursday and later held a floor meeting to inform students in in Chestnut Hall about the incident, said Dean of Students Richard Jones in an email to sent to the Rowan community.
The university alerted police of the incident in hopes of tracking down those responsible. They asked anyone with information to contact campus public safety at 856-256-4922.
"It didn't seem like it was targeted at any particular students because the residents of those rooms aren't Jewish," VP for University Relations Dr. Jose Cardona said.
The Glassboro university’s Jewish community pledged to not be intimidated by the hateful imagery and the Rohr Family Jewish Student Center - Chabad of Rowan University even planned its first public menorah lighting -- Tuesday night at 7 -- to mark Hanukkah in unity.
“We invite everyone to attend as a sign of Jewish pride, solidarity, and as a statement of defiance in the face of hatred and bigotry,” said Rabbi Hersh Loschak.
“We refuse to be intimidated or frightened, in fact we will use this incident as a motivation to increase the light and expand our programming for Jewish students on campus,” said Loschak.
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Jones said the university is also working on creating a campus without hate.
“As the University works to create a truly inclusive campus community, and consistent with the spirit of the season, we encourage all students, faculty and staff to reflect on ways that we can personally impact campus climate in a positive way,” said Jones.
