Addressing Antisemitic Vandalism at Southern Oregon University: A Community Response – Ashland News

Vandalism at Southern Oregon University: A Community Response

On April 25, Southern Oregon University (SOU) experienced a troubling incident. Antisemitic graffiti appeared in two places, particularly near the Student and Family Housing Complex. Joe Mosley, the university’s public information officer, confirmed the acts of vandalism but did not provide specific details about what was written. He noted that the vandalism was definitely “antisemitic in nature.”

Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara also acknowledged the incident, explaining that the police were informed the following day, April 26, after campus safety discovered the graffiti. One message, which appeared on the sidewalk, contained a hateful phrase directed at the Jewish community.

A concerned parent, Jennifer Greenberg, reached out to Ashland.news to express her worries after her daughter reported hearing commotion outside her dormitory. Meadow Boulden, a student, described loud noises around midnight and speculated it might be drunken revelers after a sports game, not realizing it stemmed from the vandalism.

The next day, SOU President Rick Bailey sent an email to students, urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Boulden shared her feelings: “It was really scary. My boyfriend is Jewish, and I moved away from that kind of negativity.”

SOU’s facilities team acted quickly, removing the graffiti almost immediately. Mosley reassured the community that the university takes such acts seriously and is committed to accountability. He emphasized that actions like these don’t reflect SOU’s values of love and respect for all.

When asked why the incident wasn’t widely reported, Mosley explained that the university’s approach is to follow set protocols. They sought to involve the community in the investigation while also considering that the vandals might have wanted attention.

While there appears to be no direct connection to any SOU members, the university encourages anyone with information to contact them or the Ashland Police Department.

This incident follows a troubling trend observed across college campuses nationwide. According to a survey by the Anti-Defamation League, reported antisemitic incidents increased by 34% in 2021, the highest level recorded since the organization began tracking such data. This statistic highlights a growing concern for communities everywhere, as hate-based incidents can ripple through student populations, affecting well-being and safety.

As campuses strive to foster a sense of belonging and security, conversations about tolerance and understanding are more critical than ever. The SOU community is reminded that every voice matters in standing against hate.

For more information about antisemitism and community responses, you might find insights on the Anti-Defamation League’s website here.

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