Dear Members of the Campus Community,
We are writing with a brief update about actions we have taken in response to reports from members of our campus of etchings that resemble swastikas located in Student Union Building elevators. The SUNY New Paltz administration takes seriously such concerns raised by our community members. We also want to provide useful guidance on resources that are in place to support students, faculty and staff in the rare and unfortunate event that they encounter hateful symbols on campus.
In this case, Facilities responded and buffed away the offensive etchings in the elevators and updated the individual who reported them. Student Affairs staff reached out to the individual that made the report to ensure that the person feels supported and safe and will continue to do so. UPD has investigated, and at this time, we have no evidence that points us to the perpetrator of these heinous acts.
We recognize the particular pain that this specific antisemitic symbol causes for our Jewish students, faculty and staff. We unequivocally and completely condemn this act of antisemitism and all other acts of hatred and exclusion, particularly during a time of year that is, as we wrote last week, a time of celebration and spiritual practice for many members of our community.
SUNY New Paltz is a special place. The vast majority of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors come to campus to build community, advance knowledge, grow as individuals and connect with the people around them.
Sadly, all this goodwill does not fully insulate us from the harm and trauma of isolated acts of hatred and ignorance. We can, and will, however, remain steadfast in our processes to investigate, communicate, educate and support one another. Our students’ well-being is our foremost concern at all times.
We have resources and protocols to enable students, faculty and staff to report incidents, maintain confidentiality and contribute to a culture of safety and inclusion on our campus.
First and foremost, we ask that any emergency be reported immediately to University Police at (845) 257-2222.
For non-emergency incidents involving bias, including hateful vandalism and other public displays, please use our Bias Reporting Form, which is available at this link along with a detailed description of how reports are received and processed.
Students who feel concern or a sense of personal harm are also invited to schedule a session with a Psychological Counseling Center professional by calling 257-2920.
If there is comfort to be taken in times like these, it is in the hope that these acts of community, and bringing people together rather than pushing them apart, overshadow the isolated and anonymous instances of hate speech and intimidation. It is within our collective ability to strip this hatred of its power, and turn our efforts toward healing, respect and empathy. We are grateful to all community members who are willing to join us in this important work.
Darrell P. Wheeler
President
Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion and
Chief Diversity Officer
