Posters labeled “PUNCH NAZIS IN THE FACE” have reappeared on campus after previously being removed by Public Safety and The Office of Residential Life. In an email to the Wheaton community on Saturday, Dean of Students Kate Kenny asserted that the posters were “inappropriate and intimidating” and that violent threats “had no place on our campus.”
Approximately seven students attended Dean Kenny’s official discussion on the incident at 3 p.m. this afternoon. At least two of those students criticized the tone of Dean Kenny’s email, with one student saying that it did not “specifically and strongly condemn bigotry.” At the discussion, Dean Kenny explained that the email was challenging to write but did say that “students were feeling unsafe” and that Wheaton “can’t accept [direct] threats of violence.” Dean Kenny also expressed concerns that the signs may have been condoning violence towards other groups, potentially including conservatives.
Posters labeled “PUNCH NAZIS IN THE FACE” have reappeared on campus after previously being removed by Public Safety and The Office of Residential Life.
At least one new poster has resurfaced since Dean Kenny’s discussion concluded. The poster was discovered on one of the main doors of the Meneely building by the Wire. The Wire has alerted Public Safety and Dean Kenny to the new developments.
The Wire Staff will discuss the incident and Dean Kenny’s campus-wide email tomorrow afternoon on our first “Down to the Wire” video show. If you have comments or tips, contact us through this anonymous form.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.