Several University of Rochester students, faculty, and supporters attended the arraignment of four UR students charged with second-degree criminal mischief for their involvement in posting “wanted” flyers around the campus. The flyers accused faculty members of being complicit in the deaths and displacement of Gaza residents during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Hillel, a Jewish organization on campus, condemned the posters as antisemitic, while Jewish Voice for Peace defended them.
The charges against the students, if convicted, could lead to up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. CCTV footage shows the students damaging school property by affixing the posters with superglue and spray paint, resulting in over $6,000 in repairs. The University plans to hold the students accountable through both legal and conduct procedures.
The incident has created fear among faculty and students on campus, with a divided response to the university’s handling of the situation. Jewish undergraduate Sandra Boehlert expressed concerns about the fear created by the incident, while student Nora Goodman criticized the university’s response as extreme and dishonest. Students like Sarah Lajitawi, who support Palestine, feel marginalized and unsupported on campus.
City Council member Stanley Martin criticized the university for prioritizing profits and power over student safety. The incident has brought to light issues of free speech, political views, and campus safety at the University of Rochester. The community is divided on the nature of the posters and the appropriate response to the students’ actions.
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