Graffiti displaying pro-Palestinian slogans were seen around around campus before the beginning of fall break. Lower Merion police officers were seen at the scene, on October 10, taking photographs of the messages. The graffiti has since been condemned by the Office of The President in an email sent to the student body.
Buildings facing public roads on campus were spray painted with slogans and words associated with the pro-Palestine movement. These buildings included the Pembroke East and West, Rockefeller Hall, and Brecon Hall. Notably, Guild Hall, an administrative building, also bared the same message: “divest” and “disclose.”
Students, faculty, and staff also received notice of the graffiti from the Office of the College President. In the email, the President’s Office writes, “Vandalism of this sort is inexcusable and is also against our community standards and posting policy.” This message comes in the midst of the College’s initiative to re-examine its Protest Policy, after last semester saw active protests by the student body advocating for the College’s divestment from Israel.
Within the email, the President’s Office also asks students with information and/or individual(s) who may have participated in the incident to contact the Associate Director of Bi-College Campus Safety, Gerald Fayette. Bi-College News reached out to Bi-College Campus Safety Executive Director, Lil Burroughs and received no comment, but did receive comment from the College reiterating their plea for students with information to come forward with it to Gerald Fayette.
The email sent to all members of the college community, concludes with a message of gratitude towards Campus Safety and to Facilities for the quick cleanup of the graffiti. The President’s Office then goes on to reaffirm the college’s commitment to, “creating an inclusive, safe environment for students, faculty, and staff, and supports the rights of all community members to express their views responsibly.”
On October 12, Campus Safety reported that they had received information regarding, “graffiti written in chalk related to the conflict in Gaza.” This specific incident has not yet been commented on by the College.
On Tuesday, October 15, Bryn Mawr Students for Justice in Palestine, formerly known as Bi-Co Students for Justice in Palestine, posted a statement to their Instagram page addressing the situation.
The statement reiterates student support for the pro-Palestinian movement. The statement also says, “Superficial property damage at a billion dollar institution pales in comparison to the ongoing genocide and annihilation taking place in Palestine.” The Bi-College news has reached out to Bryn Mawr SJP, but has not yet received comment.
