Dear Fresno State Community,

As we close the semester today, I want to provide an update on the antisemitic vandalism incidents shared with the campus earlier this week. This morning, my team and I met with members of our Jewish Advisory Council, along with faculty, staff, and students, to listen, answer questions, and share our ongoing work. I want our full community to have the same information.

In the last two academic years, the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (OCCR) has not received reports or complaints involving vandalism or hate symbols alleged to be antisemitic. This is one reason why the three reports received within a 10-day period were treated as a cluster of related incidents, which helped guide our response.

Our University Police Department (UPD) continues its investigation and is working with Fresno Police Vice Intelligence detectives. Based on our early regional joint assessments, these appear to be isolated acts of vandalism, and there appears to be no active or ongoing threat to the Fresno State community and no indication of a broader community trend at this time.

While we are limiting specifics to protect the integrity of the investigation, I can share the following additional context:

• Two of the reported incidents involved hastily drawn swastikas that early assessments suggest were created by the same individual(s).
• These were found in areas of campus easily accessible to the public: one on a directional sign near the Kremen Education Building, and one on a concrete pole near Parking Lot P30.
• The third incident involved antisemitic messaging in a restroom stall in the Family and Food Science Building.

These incidents underscore the importance of early reporting. If you see something, please say something—even if it feels small. Early reporting allows us to act quickly and support those impacted.

As a reminder, here’s who to contact:

• Report an incident or request a consult: occr@csufresno.edu
• OCCR Support Coordination Hub
• Immediate safety concerns: 559.278.8400 (UPD)

Looking ahead:

• OCCR is partnering with Jewish Studies to offer education and anti-harassment programming early in the spring semester.
• Earlier this semester, Fresno State began planning an expansion of its campus safety infrastructure, including the installation of 75 additional security cameras within the next nine months. While this effort was already underway, these recent incidents underscore why this enhanced coverage and stronger awareness are so important to our community’s safety and confidence.
• I also want to acknowledge ASI President Saleh for her thoughtful message shared yesterday, affirming that every member of our campus deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Her leadership reflects the shared responsibility we all have in standing together against acts of hate.

I am grateful to the Jewish Advisory Council, especially the Coordinator of our Jewish Studies Program, Dr. Jill Fields, and Rabbi Winer, for their partnership and guidance.

As we head into the holiday break, members of the Jewish community will hold a Hanukkah menorah lighting in the Resnick Student Union (Ruiz Ballroom) this Sunday, December 21, from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. This is a community-led gathering, and the organizers have indicated that all who wish to attend or show support are welcome. University Police will be present for the event, providing extra security for all guests.

Thank you for looking out for one another as finals conclude. Hate has no place at Fresno State, and we remain committed to ensuring every member of our community feels safe, supported, and seen.
With gratitude,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President