ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Police in Ann Arbor are investigating two incidents of “hate-motivated” graffiti found near the University of Michigan campus.
According to authorities, homophobic graffiti was found on the sidewalk in front of the Jewish Resource Center on Hill Street.
The organization is located near the University of Michigan campus and provides support to students seeking to stay involved or become involved in Judaism.
University of Michigan president Santa Ono released a statement stating that “the Jewish Resource Center is an important and valued part of our campus community.”
Ono said this is the second act of vandalism at a Jewish-centered location in the past three months.
Additionally, police said a racial slur and a threat were found spray-painted on an apartment building on S. University Avenue. It is unknown if the incidents were connected.
The Ann Arbor Police Department is asking for anyone who has surveillance cameras that could have captured the suspects to contact the police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734-794-6920 or through the tip line 734-794-6939. Tips can be sent by email too.
University of Michigan president released the following statement to the campus community on Wednesday, Aug. 23:
“We are aware of the homophobic graffiti that has been reported to Ann Arbor Police on the sidewalk in front of the Jewish Resource Center, an organization located near our campus that provides support to students seeking to stay involved or become involved in Judaism. The Jewish Resource Center is an important and valued part of our campus community.
“This is the second act of vandalism at a Jewish-centered location in the past three months. We strongly denounce this act of vandalism and all antisemitic acts. These incidents are in direct conflict with the university’s deeply held values of respect and inclusion and have no place within our community.
We are proud of our thriving Jewish life in Ann Arbor and on our campus. We offer our full support to any affected University of Michigan students through our Campus Climate Support program in the Dean of Students Office and the Spectrum Center.”