Anti-trans graffiti, including symbols commonly used by white supremacist groups, was found in Science Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Tuesday, according to an email from a faculty member.
“Hateful anti-trans graffiti was found in two locations in the upper floors of Science Hall. In one case the graffiti included a symbol commonly used by white supremacist groups,” Geography Department Chair Jack Williams wrote in an email statement to department staff and faculty members.
The email noted the graffiti was removed, and the incident was referred to the UW-Madison Police Department as a “safety and harassment incident.” UWPD indicated that the incident is not under formal investigation, according to UWPD Executive Director of Communication Marc Lovicott.
“UW-Madison and UWPD are aware of the defaced stickers recently reported in Science Hall,” a statement released by the university read. “The meaning or intent of the messages remains unclear.”
“The language on the stickers, which were transgender pride flags, appeared designed to provoke,” the statement continued.
In their statement, the geography department reiterated their support for the university’s transgender community.
“The [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] Committee and the Department of Geography affirm that trans lives matter, that all individuals have the right and freedom to choose their identity, that we celebrate all identities, that transphobia is harmful, and that full community and belonging can only be attained through trans-inclusive positions, policies and practices,” Williams stated in the email.
This story will be updated as further information becomes available.
Ian Wilder is a senior staff writer and current men’s hockey beat reporter for The Daily Cardinal. He’s a former state politics and features reporter. Follow him on Twitter at @IanWWilder.
Drake White-Bergey is the editor-in-chief and photo editor emeritus of The Daily Cardinal. As a photojournalist, his coverage focuses on politics and protests. Drake is a fourth-year student studying History and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You can follow him on Instagram at @whitebergey.photography and on Twitter at @DWhiteBergey.
