Dear Fresno State Community,
As we enter finals week and prepare to close the semester, I feel compelled to speak directly with you about several recent incidents of hate-based vandalism on our campus and the broader context in which many in our community may be feeling concerned or ill at ease.
In recent weeks, Fresno State has received reports of three incidents in which campus property has been defaced with antisemitic messaging. While we are sharing limited details to protect an active investigation, I want to tell you that these serious incidents are being addressed collectively, not as isolated reports, because they occurred within a short timeframe and reflect related acts of hate-based vandalism.
As soon as we became aware of these reports, we convened our Multi-Disciplinary Team, including University Police Department (UPD), the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (OCCR), Student Affairs, Facilities, and University Counsel, to ensure a coordinated and intentional campuswide response. All graffiti was promptly removed, the investigation was immediately implemented and is ongoing, and support efforts remain underway.
Listening and responding thoughtfully are essential, especially during moments like this, in order to establish concrete next steps that will protect our community’s safety. I have personally reached out to Rabbi Winer and Dr. Jill Fields, and have communicated with our Jewish Leadership Council. Dr. Fields has sent out a message to the campus Jewish community regarding a meeting scheduled later this week.
These incidents come amid deeply troubling global events. On the first day of Hanukkah, a tragic shooting in Australia claimed innocent lives and deeply affected Jewish communities around the world. We grieve alongside them, and repudiate such senseless acts of violence; we further recognize how acts of hate and violence, near or far, can reverberate within our own community. Such a tragedy comes after the appalling shootings at Brown University, which compounds our grief.
Let me be clear: hate and violence have no place at Fresno State, or anywhere. Antisemitism, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination run counter to our values and to the environment we are committed to upholding.
While we do not typically share individual reports campuswide, we are doing so now because these incidents are being addressed as a related cluster under our standardized response model. Transparency matters, and so does accountability.
Let us close this semester by reaffirming the shared expectations that AVP Githae unequivocally expressed last week: harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hate symbols, and hateful expression are not tolerated at Fresno State. If you experience or observe concerning behavior, I encourage you to reach out. Early reporting allows us to respond quickly and proactively, and provide needed support.
Resources are available:
- Report and incident or request a consult: occr@csufresno.edu
- OCCR Support Coordination Hub
- Accessibility resources
- Immediate safety concerns: 559.278.8400 (UPD)
I know this message arrives during a demanding time, but please take solace in knowing that we are taking appropriate actions to protect our community. Please take care of yourselves and one another as finals conclude and we head into the holiday break. Fresno State is a community grounded in care and mutual respect, and we will continue to stand together when it matters most.
With gratitude and resolve,
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President
