Police are investigating after racist graffiti of a swastika and the words “Islam must die” were sprayed onto a University of Birmingham building.
The shocking vandalism, which has now been removed, was daubed on the psychology block.
In a blog post for publication Redbrick , 2nd year English student Hannah Sharron said the Nazi graffiti would offend both Muslim and Jewish students.
She wrote: “Jewish students are free to walk on campus, to study in lectures and seminars and sit exams, but it is apparent that you do not want us here. You seem to think it is acceptable to target another religious group too, Muslims, alongside Jews and the other minorities targeted by the Nazis – which includes (but is not limited to) socialists, homosexuals, black people and disabled people.
“It is not acceptable at all, and we will not allow racists or extremists like you to intimidate us.
“You will not force Jewish students off campus. You will not intimidate Muslim students. You will not disrespect the memories of every minority persecuted under the Nazi regime, for whom any adjective – vile, disgusting, horrible – seems too mild.
“In fact, what you have inadvertently done is brought us closer together.”
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One person who saw it told student newspaper The Tab: “It is scary to think there are people out there who have these thoughts.
“Campus should remain a safe space for everyone.
“Every student, irrespective of his or her race, religion, gender or sexuality should feel no fear or intimidation walking into campus.”
Eva, described as a second year English student, said: “I can’t believe that this has happened at our university, a place where we are supposed to be celebrating diversity.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
The Guild of Students has a strict no-tolerance policy on any form of discrimination, and said police and campus security were informed of the graffiti as soon as it was spotted.
Hannah Myerson, a third year Jewish student studying English said: “As a Jewish student, I find it deeply disturbing that the rising antisemitism in Europe has reached our campus.
“This incident makes students of all minority groups feel alienated on the basis of their religious beliefs or background, and must be condemned
“As students of a university that promotes diversity and tolerance, it is important that we stand together in the face of such hatred.
“This kind of incident is shocking anywhere, but the fact that it has taken place on a campus with a high population of Jewish students instantly makes it that degree more personal”
A university spokeswoman said: “The graffiti was removed as soon as it was discovered and the university is investigating the matter with West Midlands Police.”
Fiyaz Mughal from organisation TELL MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) said: “This is appalling, where someone has the guts and chutzpah to place such a statement inferring that Islam must die on a university campus that has lots of Muslim students. If that is the case, one can easily infer that this person wants Muslims to be killed and was trying to put themselves outside of hate speech.
“We suggest that CCTV and relevant resources be used to find this individual or set of individuals.”
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