Swastika found in Queens College bathroom

Queens College. Photo via CUNY

By David Brand

A swastika was found on a bathroom stall at Queens College Monday morning, prompting the school to notify the local police precinct.

NYPD officers from the 107th Precinct visited the school and Queens College Interim President William Tramontano denounced the anti-Semitic vandalism in an email to students, faculty and staff. 

“At this time, I want to reassure you that Queens College will not tolerate anti-Semitism or bigotry of any kind on our campus,” Tramontano wrote in the email. “I reaffirm our enduring commitment to diversity and respect so that all members of our community may pursue their goals in a safe and supportive environment.”

Tramontano encouraged the Queens College community to report future incidents to the school’s public safety office. 

The graffiti was the latest example of anti-Semitic vandalism in Queens in recent months.

Since September 2019, symbols of hate and bigotry have been spotted in a Ridgewood subway station, a Belle Harbor beach, a Breezy Point ocean club, a Rego Park school yard and a Hillcrest car.

Reported hate crimes rose 19 percent in New York City last year compared to 2018, according to NYPD statistics. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 24 percent and accounted for more than half of all reported hate crimes in New York City.