Menorah Display Vandalized at Northeastern
The act was committed by two students but school officials have not been forthcoming with other details.
Gabriella Hoffman of Campus Reform reports.
Anti-Semitic students vandalize Jewish Menorah at Northeastern Univ. in Boston
Two students vandalized a Menorah in the quad at Northeastern University early Friday, a university spokesperson confirmed to Campus Reform on Monday.
University administrators refused to give details on the act and declined to say whether the two students who took responsibility would be expelled or had been reported to the police.
Northeastern University president Joseph Aoun did denounce the act, however, describing the incident in an email to the student body as “deeply disturbing.”
“This kind of hateful act is completely unacceptable and has no place in our community,” wrote Aoun. “[D]uring this season of religious observance it is vital that we show our commitment to mutual respect and diversity.”
The school has since accepted responsibility for the damages and said the students were referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for “disciplinary action.”
Lucy Warsh, Associate Director of Communications, however, would not provide Campus Reform with details regarding the extent of damage or whether obscene messages were left on the Jewish display.
The Menorah was on display in Northeastern’s Krentzman Quad to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Boston.com reports that a Menorah at Northeastern was vandalized last year as well.
Arthur Maserjian, president of Northeastern Hillel, said a menorah was vandalized on campus last year, too. In an e-mail to Hillel members, he advised students to use the experience to “rededicate us all to building a more tolerant and open campus that celebrates diversity and accepts people of varying traditions.”
Anti-Semitic students vandalize Jewish Menorah at Northeastern Univ. in Boston (Campus Reform)