NEW YORK (VINnews)-A New York University student accused of raising a flag bearing swastikas next to a Star of David on a campus building dedicated to a Jewish donor appeared in Manhattan court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing in his hate-crimes case.

Alexander Stepnowsky, 23, of Fairfield, Connecticut, wore a light blue button-down shirt and khaki pants to the hearing. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary and criminal trespass as a hate crime, as well as first-degree aggravated harassment.

Prosecutors say Stepnowsky raised the banner during graduation events in May. The flag featured two swastikas, a Star of David, a New York University logo and was designed to resemble the school’s purple-and-white flags. It flew above the NYU Steinhardt Building, which is named for a billionaire donor to Jewish causes.

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Stepnowsky admitted to the act and said he did so because he was upset with how the university handled political issues related to Israel.

Stepnowsky was previously released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court in October.

After his arrest, NYU officials said they were investigating the incident, which they called “heinous,” and were considering a range of disciplinary measures, including expulsion.