Police are investigating “Nazi-themed posters” found at various spots on the upstate campus of SUNY Purchase College, the school said Monday.
University police have identified a suspect who they believe is responsible for the odious act at the Harrison school, about 30 miles north of New York City, and are working with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office in the investigation, a school official said.
“That this hateful act took place on the last night of Hanukkah when our Jewish community members were celebrating the survival of their religion, makes it even more reprehensible,” Dennis Craig, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said in a statement.
“Please know that these posters, and any message of anti-Semitism and intolerance, go against our core values of diversity, acceptance, and understanding.”
The posters apparently contained images of Hitler, as well as a swastika, school spokeswoman Betsy Aldredge told The Post.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is “disgusted” by the posters and that the state police Hate Crimes Unit also is investigating, according to The Journal News/lohud.com.
“Those behind this noxious act should know that these fliers, far from inciting fear, will only harden our resolve to combat hate in all its forms,” he said.
“We will not cower in the face of hate. While they spread fear, we will spread love.”
The college said its counseling center is offering support.
“As we believe the best way to combat hate is with education and dialogue, we will be collaborating with Hillels of Westchester and the Office of Diversity to put together a dialogue on diversity in the coming weeks, into the start of next semester,” Craig said.