
Swastika Banner Displayed Above NYU Building During Graduation Week Event
NEW YORK (VINnews) — A banner featuring a swastika was displayed Wednesday above a New York University building named after prominent Jewish philanthropists, drawing swift condemnation from university officials and concern from students attending graduation week festivities.
The banner appeared atop the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development overlooking Washington Square Park during a campus celebration for graduating students, according to reports from attendees and student media. The display also reportedly included NYU lettering and Jewish imagery.
University officials said campus safety personnel quickly removed the banner and that the school is cooperating with the New York Police Department to identify those responsible.
An NYU spokesperson condemned the incident as antisemitic and said the university would not tolerate hateful acts directed at members of its community.
The building is named after philanthropist and investor Michael Steinhardt and his wife, Judy Steinhardt, longtime supporters of Jewish educational and cultural causes.
Students attending the event described the display as disturbing and offensive.
The incident comes amid continued national debate over antisemitism and campus tensions connected to the Israel-Hamas war and related protests at universities across the United States.