Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community:
We write today to share information regarding a disturbing report of antisemitic graffiti that occurred yesterday, April 15, 2025. It was reported to University officials that a poster had been defaced with antisemitic graffiti inside a residence hall. The Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) has identified a suspect in this case and is investigating it as a bias incident and hate crime.
It is especially troubling as it happened during the Passover holiday. We ask anyone who has any additional information about this incident to please report it to GUPD by calling 202-687-4343 or emailing police@georgetown.edu. You can also share information anonymously through the LiveSafe app.
We strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and this act of hatred has no place in our community. We stand together with our Jewish community. We recognize the effect that this deeply troubling incident has on our community, including the impacts on individual students and employees.
There have also been incidents of vandalism to posters hanging in Red Square in recent days. GUPD has investigated these incidents and has identified suspects and reports have been filed with the appropriate University offices. We remind our community of our Speech and Expression Policy and implementation guidelines, which allow for posters to be hung in designated areas on campus. The Speech and Expression Policy also emphasizes that individuals “may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views,” which includes the vandalism or unauthorized removal of others’ flyers or posters.
Strong political feelings or differences are never justification for discriminatory actions no matter when they occur.
Our highest priority is the safety, security and well-being of our community, and we include information below about safety measures and mental and emotional well-being resources:
- Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with GUPD when activated during an emergency situation. The app also allows users to report suspicious activity, request a SafeRide Shuttle or personal escort, and use SafeWalk to share your location.
- If You See Something…Say Something. Program phone numbers for GUPD, (202) 687-4343, and Georgetown’s EMS responders, GERMS, (202) 687-4357, into your phones. If you are concerned about threatening behavior or are worried about potential violence to the university or someone at Georgetown, contact the Georgetown Threat Assessment Program.
- Access mental and emotional well-being resources via our Every Hoya Cares online resource center.
We encourage anyone who sees evidence of a bias- or hate-motivated incident to file a report through the Bias Related Incident Reporting form, accessible online or via the LiveSafe app, or call GUPD at 202-687-4343. Through the Bias Reporting System, Georgetown responds to, tracks and reviews bias-related incidents. Reporting incidents allows the University to quickly provide support to those impacted and hold the appropriate community members accountable for violations of University policy.
We are sorry to report this incident. Please know we are responding to this with the greatest urgency.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Kilkenny
Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer
Jay Gruber
Associate Vice President of Public Safety
Eleanor JB Daugherty
Vice President for Student Affairs
Fr. Mark Bosco, SJ
Vice President for Mission and Ministry