ITHACA, N.Y. — Anti-Semitic posters were found on Stewart Avenue and on Cornell’s campus early Monday. They were anonymously put up overnight, officials say.
The posters read: “Just Say No to Jewish Lies!” and mention a “Solar Cross Society” next to a swastika and say “Join the White Gang.”
Posters were found near the 300 block of Stewart Avenue and at several locations at Cornell University.
There appears to be no reference online to a “Solar Cross Society,” made to look like the sponsor of the flier.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Cornell University President Martha Pollack said though the fliers’ alleged sponsoring organization does not exist, she condemns the “abhorrent” sentiments printed.
“The campus awoke this morning to find fliers posted in several locations on and off campus with a clear and hateful message of anti-Semitism and white supremacy. Whoever is responsible for these fliers is hiding under the cover of anonymity, having posted them overnight. Whoever they are, they need to ask themselves why they chose our campus, because Cornell reviles their message of hatred; we revile it as an institution, and I know from many personal conversations that thousands of Cornellians deplore it individually,” Pollack said.
Pollack said the university will not allow this incident to deter them from their ongoing work to address bigotry and hatred on campus.
The posters have appeared at a time when Cornell University officials are working to address “persistent problems of bigotry and intolerance” at the university. At the beginning of the semester, members of a fraternity reportedly chanted “build a wall” outside a Latino Living Center. In September, a Cornell student was charged with attacking a black student and using racial slurs. The student has been charged with assault and harassment.
In a statement to the Cornell University community Oct. 11, President Martha Pollack said a task force has been developed with the charge to make recommendations about how Cornell can “implement meaningful institutional change that leads to a campus climate that is more diverse and inclusive, and that expresses greater respect and understanding.”
On Monday morning, Public Information Officer Jamie Williamson said he was not aware of the fliers or if they had been reported to the Ithaca Police Department.
Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick said anti-Semitic ideology is deplorable and not welcome in Ithaca.
“Anti-Semitism is a deplorable ideology that has lately received a national platform. It is not welcome in Ithaca, as this cowardly poster surely knew when they decided to hang this anonymously,” Myrick said in a statement.
Featured image provided.