The watchdog organization Stop Antisemitism is asking the University of Alabama to investigate anti-Jewish messages seen written in chalk around the Tuscaloosa campus.
According to The Crimson White, the messages were found Thursday morning with the words "YE is Right" written in chalk, apparently referencing the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who recently stirred up controversy over his antisemitic remarks.
Other messages included Friday's date, "1/27," which is Holocaust Remembrance Day, and the phrase "America First," which could refer to the student group Students for America First that dissolved in 2018 after inviting a controversial speaker to campus.
Stop Antisemitism asked the school to remove the messages.
Students at the University of Alabama discover chalk graffiti pushing Kanye’s antisemitic campaign.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 26, 2023
Please remove and investigate @UofAlabama - your Jewish students are reporting they do not feel safe on campus with sentiment like this being spewed. pic.twitter.com/wadg0ZDbMH
University of Alabama spokesperson Shane Dorrill issued a statement on the university's behalf condemning the chalk messages.
"We condemn these chalkings, which violate our Capstone Creed, our campus culture and our core values," Dorrill said. "Our expectation is that everyone be treated with civility and respect. As soon as we were notified of the chalkings, we began removing them, initiated an investigation and organized resources for those impacted and concerned. Public Safety and the Offices of Student Life and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are fully engaged and providing related support."
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