Stanford President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez issued a statement today addressing the disturbing events on campus, as reported by Newsweek. The graffiti found included messages such as “FUCK AMERIKKKA,” “DE@ATH 2ISR@HELL,” “Kill cops,” and “PIGS TASTE BEST DEDAD”:
Dear Stanford community,
We are appalled and deeply saddened by the actions that occurred on our campus earlier today.
As you know from earlier alerts, protesters broke into and occupied Building 10 this morning. They were subsequently arrested and removed by law enforcement, with a public safety officer injured during the response.
In addition to damage inside the building, extensive graffiti vandalism was committed on the sandstone buildings and columns of the Main Quad. The hateful sentiments expressed in this graffiti are strongly condemned by us. Whether done by members of the community or outsiders, we expect the majority of our community to reject this attack on our campus.
Thirteen individuals were arrested in Building 10 this morning. Students among them will face immediate suspension, with seniors not allowed to graduate. These actions are necessary due to the public safety threat posed.
The Department of Public Safety is investigating the unlawful actions that occurred this morning. Any information can be reported to DPS at (650) 329-2413.
The university has also removed the encampment at White Plaza, which had violated multiple university policies. While students involved have been sent for disciplinary action, the encampment has been allowed to remain until today.
The situation has escalated from peaceful protest to actions endangering the community’s safety. Following the attempted occupation of Building 570, today’s events have led to the removal of the encampment in the interest of public safety.
There are still opportunities for peaceful expression of differing viewpoints on global issues, in line with university policies. We encourage continued peaceful and reasoned debate while strongly condemning actions like those witnessed today.
