Dear University Community,
Today, we began the arrests of four individuals on felony charges for their alleged involvement in distributing the antisemitic “Wanted” posters around River Campus, and an additional fifth person continues to be investigated. While I regret that this deeply disturbing incident took place on our campus, I am incredibly satisfied that through a thorough investigation we were able to identify those who are allegedly responsible and hold them accountable for the deliberate and deplorable actions targeted toward members of our University community, including members of our Jewish population.
The four individuals charged with felony criminal mischief are University students. I’d like to immediately address here why the actions taken against the students are criminal and not solely disciplinary. Consistent with the requirements of New York state’s statutes (NYS Education Law, Article 129-A, Section 6430, and New York State Education Law; Section 6434), the University is committed to properly addressing and reporting any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health of members of our University community, as well as coordinating the investigation of such crimes with local law enforcement agencies. While it’s sad when individuals engage in criminal conduct that is intimidating to others in classrooms and other facilities that they need to use while seeking an education or going to work, enforcement of the law is done for the protection of the community and in compliance with legal obligations of the institution.
I also want to speak to this crime being treated as a possible hate crime at the state or federal level. From the very start of our investigation, DPS investigators collected all of the necessary evidence and made all of the needed inquiries to prompt a proper evaluation of this incident as a hate crime. It’s our current understanding that these actions do not meet the legal threshold for being a hate crime, according to the feedback we received from various law enforcement authorities who ultimately make the final determination. This status could possibly change over the course of the legal proceedings, however it is important to note that an action can be targeted and biased, as this was, without meeting the legal definition for prosecution as a hate crime.
Again, let me express my gratitude to our local law enforcement partners who have provided insight and attention to our successful investigative processes; our elected officials who shared our outrage over this intentional targeting of our Jewish population at the University; the University’s leaders who have expressly supported our response efforts; and the members of my Department of Public Safety who have made tremendous contributions to a successful investigative process while also providing the regular services that keep our campuses safe.
Thank you,
Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety