Swastikas upset grad students

Students distressed over recent sightings of swastikas in Graduate Tower A met last night to discuss the situation and share their feelings. Over the weekend, students found three swastikas carved into the second and third floor stairwell doors. Last Tuesday, a student found another swastika carved into the same third floor stairwell door. Last night, approximately 20 students and staff members gathered to share their impressions of the situation. Representatives from both the University Police Department and the Philadelphia Police were at the meeting as well. University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes said police have reports on file in reference to these incidents. She added that crime reports have been distributed to all residents on the affected floors. "Since that area has been targeted, we want to make sure that all residents are informed of the situation," she said. Many issues were brought up at the forum, including the varied appearance of the four swastikas. Senior resident and second year graduate student Darren Fava accused the perpetrators of "playing with the symbol." He added that this has a teasing effect. Fifth year graduate student Paula Lupkin agreed, but added that it does not lessen the implications. "The idea of playing with the symbol doesn't make it any less serious," she said. "It is like a slap." Grad Tower A head resident Andy Walker said the repeated occurrence of swastikas increased the seriousness of the situation. "The fact that it was repeated raised it to a different level in my mind," said the fifth year graduate student. The group also discussed the possible motives of the offender or offenders. Director of Graduate Programs Michelle Ray suggested that the hate could have stemmed from fear. Walker said the response could have been a result of the great celebration of diversity in the graduate community. But he said this should not change the way people act. "Do you stop expressing your Jewish identity for fear that this hatred will be brought against you?" he asked. "I say no." "It doesn't really matter what the motivation was," Lupkin said. "It matters how it makes us feel." Philadelphia Police Officer Dennis Bowman said although this type of graffiti hate crime is common, the perpetrators are becoming "more intelligent." Penn Hillel Director Jeremy Brochin said the students really needed to come together and share their ideas and concerns. "It was clear that people had something to say and questions to ask," he said. Although some students were disappointed with the low turnout, Ray said she thinks the meeting will have extended effects. "With any type of program there is an effect where people will go back and discuss the meeting with their friends and roommates," she said. Some students said they do not feel the program was a complete success. Fourth year graduate student Alev Linar was disappointed that Hillel was the only organization that supported the forum. "I want to see this recognized as a threat to the entire community and not only to one particular group," she said.