Northwestern University police are seeking the persons who vandalized the interior of the Alice Millar Chapel on campus.
NU President Morton Schapiro says racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic and other offensive graffiti was spray-painted on walls, offices and the chapel’s organ sometime Thursday night.
Schapiro said in a statement issued Fridya evening that police have determined there’s no immediate danger to any specific individual or to the larger campus community from the incident.
He added, “Police are reviewing video of the incident and searching for those responsible. Once the perpetrators are identified, they will be arrested and charged to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Northwestern is committed to creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all of our students, faculty and staff,” Schapiro said. “This disgusting act of hatred violates the deepest values and core commitments of our University and is an affront to us all.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call University Police at 847-491-3456.
Update 6 a.m. 3/13/16: The Daily Northwestern reports two NU students have been arrested and charged with felonies in connection with the chapel vandalism.
A university spokesman told the campus paper that Anthony Morales and Matthew Kafke are facing charges of institutional vandalism, hate crime to a place of worship and criminal damage to property.
The two freshmen in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences have been placed on interim suspension, which bars them from the campus.
disrespect
I for one hope they are expelled from NU. In addition to restitution for complete restoration of the chapel. A bit of jail time would also be a good thing.