Hate Crimes Heightened on GW Campus
posted 9:58 pm Mon October 29, 2007 - Washington
George Washington University police are investigating at least 5 incidents where swastikas were placed on students' doors, including one discovered Monday morning.
University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard said that campus police are investigating crimes at two different locations. Sherrard said that the investigation is ongoing and is being taken very seriously by both police and the University. Police have not stated if they have any suspects at this time.
The head of the GW Jewish Organization, Robert Fishman says he is shocked and saddened that the same female student was targeted in four of the incidents.
Fisherman said the first few three times someone drew the swastika on the freshman's door at Mitchell Hall but the fourth act was done with a permanent marker. Meanwhile, Monday's hate crime took place at another residences hall at the Potomac House.
"This is the point, I think, where we've moved from the idea of this being an isolated incident to the idea of it being something a bit larger on campus and something that needs to be addressed." Fishman said.
President Steven Knapp said in a statement the University does not condone nor tolerate, the posting of images or texts that vilify any religious, ethnic, or racial group.
Knapp went on to say that he "remains confident that such acts do not represent the sentiments of our student body."
This is the second hate related incident to occur on campus this month after a controversy stirred on campus regarding flyers expressing the hatred towards Muslims.
© 2007 WJLA-TV
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The 'RUNNING MAN' icon is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.