The American University community found Pro-Palestinian messaging spray–painted on signage at the Glover Gate the morning of Oct. 10, according to AU’s student newspaper, The Eagle.
The red spray-painted lettering changed “The American University” to “The Genocide University,” along with an inverted red triangle, a symbol of Palestinian resistance. The symbol is controversial because some see a resemblance to the red triangle used to identify political prisoners in Nazi camps.
Vandalism was also found on the university sign facing Ward Circle. Other phrases, including “Free Palestine” and “Divest now,” were spray–painted onto sidewalks and signs along Massachusetts Avenue.
“Glover Gate is both the front door to our university and a symbol for the AU community,” President Jon Alger wrote in an email to the AU community. “It welcomes students when they first arrive on campus and is the site of countless graduation photos and cherished memories.”
A cleaning crew worked to clean the spray paint off the signs as of 9:09 a.m. on Oct. 10, according to The Eagle and NBC Washington.
“We immediately launched an investigation and expect to hold those responsible for this disgraceful act accountable,” Alger said in the statement.
The AU police department was on scene as the vandalism was being cleaned up and is checking security camera footage.
“If any members of the AU community were involved in this crime, conduct actions will be taken, and any applicable criminal charges will be considered,” Alger wrote.
AU Hillel responded to the incident on their Instagram account.
“AU Hillel is appalled by the anti-Israel graffiti prominently vandalizing AU’s campus,” the statement read. “There is no room at American University for this kind of hatred.”
Anyone with information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact AUPD at 202-885-2999.
