Updated November 18, 2024, 10:40 a.m.
Incidents occurring on November 10 included the drawing of a swastika and the removal of items supportive of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas and supportive of Jewish students. The November 10 incidents are being investigated separately from the investigation into the placement of brochures under the doors of several students in residence hall buildings.
November 14, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
The University of Oregon is committed to equity, inclusion, and providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment. On November 10, we received disturbing reports of hateful, antisemitic incidents in Unthank residence hall, including the drawing of a swastika and the removal of items supportive of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas and supportive of Jewish students. Additionally, brochures have recently been placed under the doors of several students in at least three residence hall buildings. All of these incidents are currently under investigation by UOPD and the UO Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance.
To be clear, incidents targeting any student because of their ancestry, national origin, and/or religion are prohibited under university policy. No student should be made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe on campus or in their own home, and our residence halls are home to over 5,000 university students.
Engaging in hateful or intimidating behaviors, such as defacing photographs, drawing swastikas, and the use of race- and religion-based slurs and epithets violate the university’s policy prohibiting discrimination and our respectful community expectations. Additionally, damage to or destruction of the personal property and/or university property that is intended or likely to intimidate a specific individual or a group based on their identity, is hateful conduct that may violate the law. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In addition, the distribution of pamphlets, brochures, and all other items to students in the residence halls is prohibited without prior university approval.
We expect all students at the University of Oregon to behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and our Community Standards Affirmation and promote others’ sense of safety, inclusion, belonging and dignity in our community. And we expect all campus community members to abide by the University’s Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation Policy.
Students who have witnessed or been the target of unwelcome behavior, are urged you to talk with your Resident Assistant, Community Director, trusted campus office, and/or contact one of the resources listed below. All members of the campus community have the option of contacting the university’s Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance to discuss concerns or to make a report of discrimination, harassment, or related retaliation.
Please remember that your reports can make a significant difference in maintaining a safe and welcoming campus community for all members of the campus community. Again, if you have questions or concerns, please contact these resources:
- Impacted students struggling with their wellbeing or academic success can receive support from Office of the Dean of Students, Care and Advocacy Program: 541-346-3216
- To report discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, contact the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance (OICRC):
- UO Police Department:
Thank you,
Angela Chong
Vice President for Student Life
Nicole Commissiong
Associate Vice President
Chief Civil Rights Officer & Title IX Coordinator
Michael Griffel, Ph.D
Associate Vice President Student Services and Enrollment Management
Director of University Housing
