Dartmouth College and the Hanover Police Department are investigating a second report of a swastika found outside a student's dormitory room, an incident that occurred just two weeks after a similar event on campus. However, authorities have indicated the latest drawing may not have been a swastika, though the inquiry remains active.
Key Takeaways
- A second potential antisemitic symbol was reported outside a Jewish student's dorm room at Dartmouth College.
- Hanover Police are investigating but have stated the second drawing may not have been an actual swastika.
- The first incident, reported earlier in the month, is being investigated as criminal threatening by police and the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office.
- Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock condemned the acts, which occurred during the Jewish High Holidays.
- The university has increased security patrols in and around residence halls in response.
Second Symbol Discovered at New Hampshire Hall
A Jewish student discovered an image drawn on a laminated piece of paper outside their dorm room late on a Friday night, prompting an immediate investigation. The discovery was made in New Hampshire Hall, a student residence building on the Hanover campus.
In a message to the college community on Saturday, Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock confirmed the report and described it as an act of "targeted harassment and antisemitism." The university's Office of Safety and Security began a joint investigation with the Hanover Police Department.
Police Question Nature of Second Drawing
While the investigation is ongoing, Hanover Police have raised questions about the nature of the second symbol. On Monday, Hanover Police Captain Mike Schibuola provided an update, suggesting the drawing might have been misinterpreted.
"There was some writing on a nearby board that was not threatening and we think it was similar to (a swastika)," Schibuola stated. "We don’t think it was actually a swastika."
Despite this preliminary assessment, Captain Schibuola emphasized that this conclusion was not final. Both Hanover Police and Dartmouth's safety officials continue to treat the report seriously and are proceeding with a full investigation.
A Pattern of Concern
This is the second report of a swastika found near the living space of a Jewish student since the academic year began. The incidents have occurred in adjacent dormitories, raising concerns about targeted harassment within the campus community.
University Responds During Jewish High Holidays
The timing of the incidents has added to the distress on campus. The reports coincided with the Jewish High Holidays, a period of reflection and celebration that includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
President Beilock, who is Jewish, addressed the timing in her community message. She noted the holidays "should be a joyful occasion" and expressed her dismay at having to address such events during this significant time.
"I am shocked and sickened to have to write to you again about targeted harassment occurring where our students live," Beilock wrote. She affirmed the university's commitment to finding those responsible for what she termed "heinous acts" and holding them accountable.
First Incident Remains Under Active Investigation
The first incident, reported earlier in the month, took place in Topliff Hall. A student discovered a swastika drawn on a carpet using a clear liquid. Topliff Hall is located next to New Hampshire Hall, and both are part of the South House residential cluster.
Jurisdictional Response
The initial case is being investigated as a matter of criminal threatening. The Hanover Police Department is working in collaboration with the Civil Rights Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, indicating the seriousness with which state authorities are treating the act.
As of this week, officials have not announced any updates or suspects in the ongoing investigation into the Topliff Hall incident. The methods used in the two incidents—a clear liquid on a carpet versus a drawing on laminated paper—are notably different.
Campus Security and Student Support Measures
In response to the two reports, Dartmouth has taken visible steps to enhance security and support affected students. The Office of Safety and Security has increased patrols near the involved dormitories and throughout other campus residence halls.
President Beilock confirmed that the university is providing direct support to the students who reported the incidents and their surrounding community. This support aims to address the emotional and psychological impact of such events on campus.
The incidents have drawn attention to the campus climate for Jewish students. According to a 2024 report from Hillel International, a nonprofit organization supporting Jewish college students, individuals identifying as Jewish make up approximately 9% of the student population at Dartmouth. The organization maintains an active chapter at the college to serve this community.
Dartmouth officials and law enforcement have urged anyone with information about either incident to come forward as they continue their respective investigations.
