New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo condemned the racist graffiti found in SUNY-ESF’s Centennial Hall in a tweet Saturday night.

“These hateful messages are disgusting,” Cuomo said. “As New Yorkers and as Americans, we must all condemn the sickening rise in hate happening in our country.”

Two instances of racist graffiti were found written on whiteboards in the residence hall and posted to social media, the college announced Saturday. SUNY-ESF’s University Police have identified an alleged perpetrator and will immediately suspend the individual while the investigation continues, Interim President David Amberg said in a statement. 

Cuomo said he was grateful for the college’s “speedy response” to the incidents. 

The governor’s praise contrasts his criticism of Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud’s handling of a series of racist, anti-Semitic and bias-related incidents in November. 

SUNY-ESF’s campus is next to SU. At least 26 hate and bias-related incidents have occurred at or near the university since Nov. 7.

Cuomo said in November that he does not believe Syverud handled the incidents in “a way that instills confidence.” He also called on SU’s Board of Trustees to bring in an experienced monitor to oversee the university’s investigation of the hate crimes and bias incidents. 

The governor had previously directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate the incidents. 

SU suspended four students involved in a racist verbal assault of a Black student in November. The Department of Public Safety also said it identified the individual who drew a swastika in Bird Library, but did not publicize the perpetrator’s identity or announce any sanctions. 

The university has not announced any information about the perpetrators of the remaining 24 hate and bias incidents. 

SU announced Jan. 29 that it will suspend any student involved in acts of bias-related vandalism or graffiti. Rob Hradsky, vice president for the student experience, said in a campus-wide email that the university must take action to ensure consequences.

Published on February 9, 2020 at 1:06 am

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