Brown University investigating swastika carved into dorm bathroom door

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Brown University said that its Department of Public Safety was investigating a swastika that was carved into the door of a dorm bathroom.

The incident was reported at 8:30 p.m. on May 14 at the Pembroke campus.

The university said that the symbol was immediately removed by repairing and repainting the door overnight.

Providence City Councilman John Goncalves, who represents the ward where Brown is located, said he urged the university to investigate the incident as a hate crime.

“Quietly painting over it is not enough,” he said. “The university must pursue full accountability and take bold, public action to protect Jewish students.”

Anyone with relevant information was asked to contact  401-863-3322.

The university’s message to the community can be read below:

On Wednesday, May 14, at approximately 8:30 p.m. the Brown University Department of Public Safety (DPS) was notified by a community member that they observed a swastika carved into a door of a restroom in a residence hall on the Pembroke campus. The incident was documented and the symbol immediately removed by repairing and repainting the door overnight.

This matter is under investigation by DPS, and anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Department at 401-863-3322.

Any incident of hate on our campus is deeply troubling and antithetical to the University’s mission, values, Code of Conduct, and community expectations. As we near the end of an academic year in which the community has supported each other in so many ways, an incident of antisemitic hate in a residence hall is especially concerning. We condemn such behavior in the clearest possible terms.

As we have communicated numerous times throughout the year, Brown University is committed to ensuring our community has an environment free from discrimination and harassment. As a reminder, all alleged violations of the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy should be reported promptly to the University. The Report an Incident page provides easy access to forms for reporting. The University will take timely responsive actions to eliminate any discrimination or harassment and prevent its recurrence. Students, staff or faculty with questions may contact the Office of Equity Compliance and Reporting at equity_reporting@brown.edu.

Goncalves statement can be read below:

The swastika carved into a dorm door on Brown’s campus is a blatant act of antisemitic hate. It was targeted act meant to intimidate and spread fear.

Brown must treat this not as routine vandalism but as a hate crime. Quietly painting over it is not enough. The university must pursue full accountability and take bold, public action to protect Jewish students.

To our Jewish neighbors: you belong here. We stand with you. Hate has no place on our campuses.