Dear Dartmouth community members,
Following thorough investigations by the Hanover Police Department and our Department of Safety and Security, we are relieved to share that the marking reported on Sept. 27 was not a swastika as initially believed.
A student came forward with information that helped both HPD and DOSS reach this conclusion. That student’s report revealed that the marking was friendly writing which then became smudged in a way that gave the appearance of a swastika. We are grateful to the student who initially reported this incident, the DOSS team who brought it to the attention of senior administrators, and the student who came forward with clarifying information. These responsible actions reflect our Dartmouth values of accountability to and care for one another.
We also encourage anyone with information about the swastika found in a residence hall on Sept. 17 to come forward, and remember that you can do so anonymously. That first incident remains under investigation by both HPD and DOSS.
This hateful symbol causes pain in our community—as does any targeted harassment, threat, or discrimination. Over these last few weeks, I have been moved by my conversations with Jewish students, faculty, and staff as well as community members from all backgrounds and religions who recognize that combating antisemitism takes sustained effort from us all.
If you need support, please reach out for help. In addition to counseling services, Dartmouth’s pastoral counseling at the Tucker Center provides a confidential space for you to be heard.
Together, we will continue to foster the openness and trust that are foundational to Dartmouth’s close-knit community. We remain firmly committed to ensuring our campus is free from hate, bigotry, and discrimination, and that we are guided always by our shared humanity and collective commitment to Dartmouth.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Rosales
Senior Vice President for Community and Campus Life
Chief Student Affairs Officer