Campus Y staff response to January 23 vandalism
January 26, 2021 • Erin Reitz • No Comments
Campus Y Community,
As some of you connected with campus may have heard, the Campus Y was vandalized over the weekend. The perpetrator unlawfully entered our building and proceeded to steal, tag, and destroy objects throughout the Y, including inside our Co-Presidents’ office. Some of the vandalism included anti-Semitic symbols and misogynistic, white supremacist messaging. We condemn this outright display of racism, bigotry, and hatred — the very attitudes our community works hard to combat.
Once the vandalism was discovered by a student leader, our staff members joined the scene and reported the damage to UNC’s Department of Public Safety. We are confident that this is an isolated incident. UNC Police and its law enforcement partners have identified a suspect and two warrants have been issued for this person’s arrest.
Every object that was stolen or defaced can be replaced; but this vandalism goes deeper than property damage. It is a disturbing public display of division. While we are deeply saddened, we stand firmly in upholding the Y’s 161-year legacy as a space for students to unite, uplift, and act. We appreciate everyone who has reached out with support as we work undaunted toward racial and social justice for all members of the Carolina community.
Finally, we ask that people respect the privacy of our student leaders so that they may focus on their own safety and mental health. We are working to provide mental health support and spaces for students and staff to process this event. Our students’ wellbeing remains our top priority.
If you have a request for more information, please reach out to mediarelations@unc.edu.
UNC Campus Y Staff