WWU confronts antisemitic graffiti on campus, addresses concerns over free speech crackdown
Western Washington University is addressing recent antisemitic vandalism on campus and concerns among some students and faculty about this week’s arrest of an anti-Israel activist at Columbia University.
In an email to students and staff, Jacqueline Hughes, chief diversity officer and executive director of the university’s Office of Equity, acknowledged that the campus has seen at least three recent incidents involving Nazi symbols and a phrase popular with Nazi Germany’s Hitler Youth.
“In recent weeks, a few instances of antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas and hateful slogans, have been reported in public areas on campus. There is no indication that these acts were committed by a member of the WWU community or targeted at any specific individual or organization, but they are nonetheless unacceptable. Western unequivocally condemns these expressions of antisemitism and all forms of hate,” Hughes wrote in an email that was shared with The Bellingham Herald by a faculty member.
“We recognize the challenge of responding to incidents like these. At Western, we are committed to addressing these acts — not only to reject hate but to strengthen a culture of inclusion and belonging. Religious intolerance and discrimination will not be tolerated at WWU in any form,” Hughes said.
University Police officers have included the antisemitic vandalism on their daily incident reports, with one case in March and two in February. WWU police have also reported homophobic graffiti in recent months and a Feb. 6 incident where four people were yelling unspecified racial slurs near Buchanan Towers. No suspects were named and all cases were closed.
Also in her letter Wednesday, Hughes addressed concerns on campus about the Trump administration’s crackdown on protests involving the Gaza war.
“Earlier this week, a Columbia graduate who participated in last year’s demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza was arrested and now faces the threat of deportation. Though this happened far from WWU, it resonates here, raising concerns about free speech and protection on campus. We recognize the uncertainty that this case has caused, but we want to reaffirm that we are committed to protecting the rights and safety of our community members. As previously shared, our (university police) and state law enforcement agencies do not and will not assist in immigration-related arrests or enforcement actions unless legally required,” Hughes said.
The arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident who is being held without charges or access to a lawyer, comes as 60 colleges and universities are facing a federal probe of alleged antisemitism and harassment of Jewish students.
Four Washington schools are listed in that investigation, but WWU, which saw a protest camp last year, is not on the list. A WWU student reported to police that he was attacked near the protest while he was wearing a Star of David necklace, and other Jewish students and staff said they felt harassed.
Major Jewish organizations such as the Anti Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee have documented rising antisemitism on college campuses since October 2023, when attackers from Gaza killed Israeli civilians and took hostages, sparking war with the Jewish state.
The ADL told The Herald that three bias incidents were reported at WWU in 2023, according to previous Herald reporting. Eight such incidents in Bellingham and Whatcom County have been reported to the ADL in 2024-2025, according to its online database.
“These events, along with other challenges in recent months, have left many in our community feeling unsettled and alarmed,” Hughes said. “It is now more critical than ever that we support one another and commit to the values that define our community. Each of us has the power to shape a campus built on respect and dignity. Let’s use that power to uplift and affirm, not diminish, one another.”
“Disagreements and differences will persist, but our ability to engage with them thoughtfully is what makes a strong and inclusive community. By working together, we can uphold Western’s commitment to ensuring that all members of our campus feel safe, supported, and heard,” she said.
This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 1:25 PM.
