‘Vile, antisemitic language’ spray-painted on sidewalks on Wake Forest University campus, president says

WINSTON-SALEM, .C. (WGHP) — An investigation is underway after hateful vandalism was found on Wake Forest University’s Reynolda Campus.

On Thursday, University President Susan R. Wente notified the campus community that people had “vandalized sidewalks and a tree” overnight with spray paint.

The university confirmed that some of the vandalism included “vile, antisemitic language,” and there were also reports of “racist, anti-Black, antisemitic, Islamophobic and homophobic speech.”

“Expressions of hatred directed toward an individual or group are completely antithetical to our values and are abhorrent and unacceptable,” Wente said.

In response, the university has banned the use of chalk on university sidewalks, even in areas where it was previously allowed, for the rest of the academic year. The university plans to clear any instances of chalk on campus sidewalks. Students found violating this rule will face “conduct action.”

“We are living in volatile and difficult times, but we cannot and will not waver in our commitment to protect campus health and safety, to uphold University values and to continue to demonstrate caring for one another,” Wente said.

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