Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively investigating the discovery of homophobic/anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti that that was found written in the men’s bathrooms on the third and fourth floors at Watson Hall. The report was made by a university employee on Friday, February 24.
Upon receiving this report, a DPS officer responded to Watson Hall and met with the employee. The DPS officer then proceeded to canvass the floor – speaking with several residents. A full search of all bathrooms and trash rooms in Watson Hall was conducted and several additional canvasses have occurred since the incident was first reported. Additionally, DPS has reviewed available video footage, referenced ID card access data, conducted interviews, and also notified the Syracuse Police Department and New York State Police.
“We are investigating this incident with urgency and are taking a number of steps identify the individual or individuals responsible. Location and circumstance can dictate the pace of an investigation. Unfortunately, the incident occurred in a restroom – meaning there is no direct video footage or witness accounts we can rely on,” says Craig Stone, DPS chief and associate vice president. “DPS is doing everything we can to identify the individual or individuals responsible. We ask that anyone with information about this incident contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information about this incident should contact DPS at 315.443.2224. Anonymous tips can be reported to DPS through the Silent Witness tool or the Orange Safe mobile app. Additionally, if you or someone you know has been affected by a bias incident, the following resources are available:
- Support services are available at the Barnes Center at The Arch by calling 315.443.8000.
- To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website or call 315.443.3514 or email stopbias@syr.edu.
- Additional resources are available by contacting the following:
- Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services: 315.443.4018, EqualOpp@syr.edu
- Center for International Services: 315.443.2457, international@syr.edu
- Student Outreach and Retention – Support Services: 315.443.4357, studentsupport@syr.edu
- Multicultural Affairs: 315.443.0228, oma@syr.edu
- Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life: 315.422.5082, hillel@syr.edu
- LGBTQ Resource Center: 315.443.0228, lgbt@syr.edu
- Disability Cultural Center: 315.443.0228, sudcc@syr.edu
- Hendricks Chapel: 315.443.2901, chapel@syr.edu