Hate crime strikes University of Windsor

by Erik Zarins

The University of Windsor’s Student Alliance office has been broken into and a flag vandalized.

The flag supporting Canadian soldiers was spray-painted with the Star of David and the word “Zionist.” Police have said this act is a hate crime.

The controversy occurred after a student referendum vote to boycott Israel for its economic sanctions including companies, products, academic institutions, and any other ties to the country. Students voted 798-585 in favour of the boycott. Police say the result may have sparked this crime.

“Police are saying it happened between mid-night and one a.m. on Thursday,” said Robert Crawford, president of the University of Windsor Student Alliance. “The UWSA strongly condemns any act of hate speech, violence, vandalism, or intimidation against the students. A safe and global campus is our top priority.”

The Windsor Jewish Student Association released a statement about the vandalism:
“Jewish students condemned an act of vandalism last night, spray painting our troops flag … We strongly condemn this cowardly act, which is offensive to our veterans and Jewish students alike …We trust that campus officials will do everything possible to find and hold accountable to those responsible.”

The University of Windsor also released a statement regarding the attack. “We are aware of the incident. As reinforcement of our human rights policy, the university will strive to integrate all members of the university community. The university does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination in any other university-related activity involving students and other members of our community.”

Windsor Police currently have no leads or suspects during this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers.