University authorities are still investigating swastikas that were found starting Oct. 23 inside two dorm buildings and on a fence near the university’s hospital.
The vandalized doors led into rooms housing Jewish students. The racial slur “White Power” was also found on a door belonging to the room of a black student.
“The posting of symbols of hatred anywhere on our campus is unacceptable no matter who is responsible and no matter what the motives may be,” GWU President Steven Knapp said in a statement released after Sunday’s arrest. “Whether intended as hate crimes or pranks, such acts are utterly incompatible with the spirit of mutual respect that is essential to the life of our university.”
University police are not releasing the student’s name, citing privacy laws, GWU spokesman Tracy Schario said. The student has been banned from campus and will go through the university’s judicial system. If convicted, the student could face expulsion.
About one-third of GWU’s student population is Jewish, according to the school’s Web site.
Sunday’s arrest came two days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation began assisting GWU investigators at the university’s request.
The university has increased its police patrols around dorm buildings and has offered at least one student the chance to move to a different dormitory after the swastikas were discovered.
jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com



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