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ETHNIC INTIMIDATION CHARGE SENDS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

  • December 11, 2013

Philadelphia, PA, December 11, 2013…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended the State College Police Department for their investigation and arrest of two Penn State students for anti-Semitic graffiti aimed at Beta Sigma Beta, a Jewish fraternity.

12 vehicles parked to the rear of Delta Sigma Phi and Beta Sigma Beta fraternities, had anti-Semitic slogans, swastikas, sexual pictures and sexual phrases sprayed painted on them. A garage and a dumpster in the vicinity were also spray painted with this type of graffiti. A month long investigation by State College Police lead to the eventual identification and arrest of two Penn State students. The individuals have been charged with Ethnic Intimidation, Criminal Mischief, and Disorderly Conduct.

“The college experience should never include threats of violence and intimidation,” said Nancy Baron-Baer, Associate Regional Director, ADL of Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. “The charge of ethnic intimidation sends an important message that anti-Semitic attacks are unacceptable.”

The Anti-Defamation League reached out to campus officials and law enforcement immediately following the incident.  ADL encouraged increased police patrols and urged campus officials to take a close look at the culture on campus that might have enabled this type of incident. The League has also made itself available to Penn State by offering its peer and diversity training programs.

“The struggle against hate is not easy and it cannot be accomplished through short- term measures. Rather, effective action requires a long-term commitment of energy, resources, passion and collaboration,” Baron-Baer added.

The Anti-Defamation League is one of the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agencies fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defending democratic ideals and protecting civil rights for all.  To learn more about how ADL challenges prejudice and discrimination, visit Civil Rights and Combating Hate.