Dear University Community,
Late last night, the Department of Public Safety was made aware that hundreds of posters depicting members of the University community as “Wanted” were found in buildings across campus, including classroom spaces. University Facilities immediately began working to remove the posters and return the spaces to their usual state. This process is painstaking because of the strong adhesive used to affix the posters, which in some cases caused damage to walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces.
Posters and displays affixed in this manner are unacceptable and considered to be vandalism to University property. Any activities, including the placement of these posters, that disrupt our normal operations and classroom instruction will not be tolerated. Additionally, it seems that the goal of this vandalism is to intimidate members of our University community, which is an action that runs counter to our Meliora values. At the start of the semester, we outlined through the Rochester Conversations website our expectations for campus dialogue, and it starts with respect, empathy, and compassion.
DPS is investigating today’s vandalism and asks anyone who has information to contact them at (585) 275-3333, or at publicsafety@rochester.edu.
Our priority as a University is to maintain a respectful and safe community for everyone, and we appreciate everyone’s engagement in supporting that expectation. We will inform the community as we continue our investigation.
For students who may have been impacted by this incident, please utilize the University CARE Team.
For faculty and staff who may have been impacted by this incident, the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program is available.
Thank you,
Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety