Northwestern University investigating hate symbols found on campus

Northwestern University is investigating “despicable and hateful” symbols that were discovered painted around its Evanston campus last weekend.

The symbols were found Sunday on several signs. The university immediately removed or painted over them, Northwestern said in a statement Friday.

“Northwestern has launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for this vandalism, utilizing camera footage, forensics and other methods,” the statement read. “Based on that investigation, we have identified a suspect who we believe is unaffiliated with Northwestern. The university is working with local law enforcement on next steps, including potential criminal charges.”

The university did not specify what type of symbols were painted, but the Evanston RoundTable, which first reported the investigation, reported that the symbols appeared to be Nazi swastikas.

It’s not the first time antisemitic or hate symbols have been found painted on objects at Northwestern’s campus. Antisemitic and racist vandalism was found on the campus in April and June of last year, according to news reports.

Last month, a large boulder known as “The Rock” on Northwestern’s campus, which students have painted for years with symbols and slogans, was also graffitied with a symbol known to be a signn of opposition to equal rights for women and minorities. It was painted over the blue, white and pink stripes of a transgender flag, sparking concerns.

Reported hate crimes surged at Northwestern’s Evanston campus in 2024, with nine cases reported that year compared with one the year prior, according to Northwestern’s most recent annual security report.