'We are not going to stand down': Vandalism at UW-Milwaukee campus sparks concern for Jewish community

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee police are investigating an act of property damage and vandalism at the west wing of the Golden Meir Library that happened Saturday, March 16. 

Two individuals were involved in throwing an object through a first-floor window and defacing the exterior of the building with graffiti. 

UWM says police are conducting a thorough investigation and are increasing patrols in the area in response to the incident. 

The library has been a focal point of protests due to the conflict in the Middle East and concerns over the library's namesake, according to UWM. 

"While UWM respects the right of free speech, this is neither speech nor peaceful protest, and UWM will not tolerate vandalism or other illegal acts."

"UWM also recognizes that the Middle East conflict has left many students and employees experiencing heightened concerns for their safety and well-being, particularly our Jewish, Muslim and Arab American community members. To be very clear, neither antisemitism nor Islamophobia has any place on our campus or in our community," UWM said in a statement. 

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact the UWM Police Department at 414-229-4627.

UWM also encourages anyone who has witnessed or is subjected to an incident of hate or bias to report it via the Hate/Bias reporting form.