NEW YORK (TNND) — New York University (NYU) condemned what school officials called an antisemitic act after a flag bearing swastikas was raised above a campus building during this week’s graduation festivities.
“We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park,” NYU Spokesperson and Chief Communications Officer Wiley Norvell said in a statement.
“Campus safety responded immediately to remove it and we are working closely with the NYPD to identify whoever is responsible,” Norvell added. “We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus.”
According to campus reports, the flag featured two swastikas, a Star of David, and the letters “NYU”.
The Washington Square News, which is the school’s student newspaper, reported that the flag “was waving on the roof of the Steinhardt building as hundreds of graduates and family members walked along West Fourth Street during NYU’s annual Grad Alley event” on Wednesday around 5 p.m.
Witnesses told campus media the flag remained visible for roughly 15 minutes before it was removed.
The incident comes following tensions on college campuses nationwide over antisemitism, free speech, and protests related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
NYU has faced scrutiny and controversy in recent years surrounding campus demonstrations and accusations of antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric.
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.