Two separate incidents of vandalism have struck Texas State University, prompting both condemnation from school officials and calls for increased campus security and diversity initiatives. The most recent event involved antisemitic graffiti that was discovered on the San Marcos campus, which the university has swiftly denounced as an "act of hate and vandalism," according to CBS Austin.
Following the graffiti's report, the University Police Department (UPD) at Texas State launched an investigation while proceeding with its swift removal. Even though details about the graffiti's content or its specific campus location were withheld, the university stressed in a statement obtained by CBS Austin, "Vandalism is a crime, not a form of expression. It will not be tolerated at TXST.".
Meanwhile, the university's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter has been vocal, demanding action from university President Kelly Damphousse and increased efforts to foster a more inclusive campus environment. In a news release, NAACP Chapter President Jordan Williams described the racial vandalism as a "painful reminder of the pervasive hate that exists," as reported by MySA. Responding to the students and the NAACP, President Damphousse has committed to covering the costs of the car's repairs and issued a letter to the community condemning the racist act as "deeply disturbing," which he insists goes against Texas State's core values.
"As a institution serving majority people of color, it is disheartening to witness actions that contradict our university's mission to embrace diversity and foster an environment of civility, compassion, and respect," Williams wrote, as mentioned by MySA.
