University Statement Regarding Vandalism in JBKO

On Monday, December 4, GWPD responded to an incident in the Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (JBKO) Residence Hall involving the defacing of multiple posters and signs in public areas. Nazi symbols and language and gender discrimination language were hand-written on the posters and signs. This incident is being classified as vandalism/defacing of property and will be reflected as a hate crime in the 2017 Annual Security Report.
 
GWPD officers immediately responded after a student notified them of the offending material. GWPD launched an investigation, swept the premises, and removed the defaced posters. There is no evidence to indicate the posters were directed at any one individual. The investigation is ongoing.
 
This reprehensible behavior is inexcusable and will not be tolerated in our community. The university is committed to creating an inclusive, safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Such acts are incompatible with the spirit of mutual respect that is essential to our life on our campus.
 
Anyone with information on this incident should contact GWPD at 202-994-6111 or via the confidential GWPD TIPS safety line at 202-994-8477(TIPS). Students in need of support services should contact [email protected].