Dear Colgate Community,
The University has learned that two students have admitted to vandalizing a Chabad Menorah on Broad Street in the Village of Hamilton in the early morning hours of Dec. 8.
While the students in question say this act of vandalism was the result of poor choices while intoxicated, there is no excuse for blatant disrespect of a religious symbol, particularly as the nation continues to confront an uptick in anti-semitism. The University expects its students to be ever mindful of the impact of their actions on the communities in which they live, regardless of intent.
Both students will now be subject to the University’s conduct process for disciplinary matters, and Hamilton Police will consider criminal charges in consultation with the property owner. I will also work with these two students, and representatives of Chabad, who have agreed to meet with them, to educate about the harm they have caused to this community and to help them develop a plan to repair that harm.
This admission of guilt comes after the University received valuable information via our anonymous online tip form. While this incident is very disappointing and upsetting, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our community who spoke up to assist in the investigation, and I want to thank our dedicated team in the Department of Campus Safety for working with the Hamilton Police Department on this matter.
Sincerely,
Paul J. McLoughlin II
Vice President and Dean of the College