To: The Wellesley College Community
From: President Paula A. Johnson
Re: An Act of Vandalism Challenges Our Community
Date: October 16, 2020
Last night we learned that a swastika-like symbol had been drawn on the stones that are part of the Woodland Garden sculpture beside Lake Waban. The symbol has been removed, and Campus Police are investigating this act of vandalism.
I want to affirm in the strongest terms that Wellesley College emphatically condemns anti-Semitism and hate in any form. Symbols of hate have no place on our campus.
This event has caused alarm, especially in our Jewish community. While not detracting from the hurt this symbol has already caused, I want to acknowledge that the way this particular symbol was drawn was ambiguous, which raised some question about its intended meaning. For that reason, I consulted with the leadership of the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism, and asked for their interpretation. They forwarded a photograph of the symbol to experts on both the east and west coasts, who advised that it more closely resembles the ancient version of this symbol that is common among Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and represents peace, rather than the Nazi symbol of hate.
While the intent of this particular act of vandalism may be unclear, its impact on many of our Jewish students who observed photos was clear and profound. I am grateful to Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life Jacquelina Marquez and Rabbi Dena Bodian, who met with a group of our Jewish students last night. The Wellesley community stands with our Jewish community in solidarity against anti-Semitism.
This is a confusing and dangerous time. White supremacism and anti-Semitism are on the rise. As a community we need to stand in firm opposition to these national trends, while embracing our deeply shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for each other.
