Rochester, NY — Hundreds of posters depicting members of the University of Rochester’s Jewish community as “wanted” have been found in buildings and classrooms across campus.

The signs condemn the staff for their response to the war in Israel, blaming some on racism, hate speech, “ethnic cleansing,” “displacement of Palestinians” and more, according to CNN. No students were targeted.

MORE: University of Rochester rocked by vandalism targeting members of Jewish community

University of Rochester Hillel, which represents Jewish students, said the depictions were “deeply disturbing.”

Swastikas in February Anti-Semitic graffiti found on tunnel walls on the school’s River Campus.

The deputy chief of the U of R Department of Public Safety said in a statement that “the purpose of this vandalism was to intimidate members of our University community.”

The full statement is as follows:

Late last night, the Department of Public Safety was notified that hundreds of posters depicting members of the university community as “Wanted” were found in buildings across campus, including classroom areas. University Facilities immediately began work to remove the posters and return the venues to their former state. This process is laborious due to the strong adhesive used to attach the posters, which in some cases damages walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces.

Posters and displays posted in this manner are unacceptable and considered vandalism to University property. Any activity that disrupts our normal functioning and classroom instruction, including the placement of these posters, will not be tolerated. It also appears that the purpose of this vandalism was to intimidate members of our University community, an act that is contrary to our Meliora values. At the beginning of the semester, we outlined our expectations for campus dialogue through the Rochester Conversations website, and that dialogue begins with respect, empathy, and compassion.

DPS is investigating today’s vandalism and asks anyone with information to contact them at (585) 275-3333 or [email protected].

As a university, our priority is to create a respectful and safe community for everyone, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to support this expectation. We will keep the community informed as we continue our investigation.

For students who may have been affected by this incident, please utilize the University’s CARE Team.

The UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program is available for faculty and staff who may have been impacted by this incident.

Thank you,

Chef Quchee Collins

AVP, Department of Public Safety

_____