BU Police Probe Inflammatory Posters

Racist, Nazi messages found on BU Bay State Road, Comm Ave locations

Hate Posters on Campus Boston University

BU Police are investigating the posting of inflammatory posters at several locations on campus Saturday night. Photos courtesy of The Tab

May 3, 2016
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The BU Police Department is investigating the placement of large posters with racist and neo-Nazi messages at several locations on campus after a student reported spotting the posters Saturday night, April 30, at the entry of the Yawkey Center for Student Services. The 8½-by-11-inch posters, with messages that include “Black Lives Don’t Matter,” “Atomwaffen Division Massachusetts,” and an image of a Paul Revere–like figure shouting, “The Nazis Are Coming!” were affixed to the glass doors of the center, at 100 Bay State Road.

In a letter to the BU community Tuesday, University President Robert A. Brown expressed his concern about the incident, calling it “a reminder that the human capacity for hate is deeply rooted and never as far from our daily lives as we would like or hope. We also know that the human capacity for healing and renewal in a spirit of generosity and understanding is deeply rooted.” Brown said that he is “heartsick that our community has to experience the hatefulness displayed by the individual or individuals who posted this material.

“The Boston University Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances relating to the posting of these ugly placards in order to determine what actions we may take under law,” Brown wrote. “If we determine that the individual or individuals responsible for the posting are Boston University affiliates, we will also take action that is consistent with our established rules of conduct. We will report on this investigation in BU Today when we have information that we can convey.”

After the initial report of the racist posters, BUPD officers observed similar ones on garage pillars and doors in the vicinity of 730 Comm Ave, site of a CVS, and 750 Comm Ave, which houses BU’s Engineering Product Innovation Center.

The flyers, which were immediately removed, were reported to BU police at 10 p.m. Saturday by a student entering 100 Bay State Road. The police were able to get a fairly good description of the individual who put them there from the video surveillance system near the building’s front door.

Thomas Robbins, BUPD chief, says an investigation to find who put up the posters is currently under way. “We take it seriously,” Robbins says. “We will see what charges we are able to file as a result of the investigation.”

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BU Police Probe Inflammatory Posters

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  • Susan Seligson

    Susan Seligson has written for many publications and websites, including the New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, the Boston Globe, Yankee, Outside, Redbook, the Times of London, Salon.com, Radar.com, and Nerve.com. Profile

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Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

There are 48 comments on BU Police Probe Inflammatory Posters

  1. There are a lot of posters and fliers across campus. I’m pretty sure it’s not a crime when one of them happens to be offensive. What’s to investigate? Go ahead and remove them, but don’t turn this into something criminal because it’s not.

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      1. Ah that’s clever how you subtly implied I support the opinions of those who put up the posters in an attempt to put me on the defensive, simply because I questioned Chief Robbins’s vow to criminalize unpopular speech.

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        1. The founding fathers of Massachusetts and the USA may agree with your assertion that offensive and unpopular speech SHOULD not be criminal.

          Then there is the laws in place today.

          I notice how you ignored a link I posted to Massachusetts law where these actions MIGHT be legally criminal and/or civil offenses. I’m not saying they are. I am suggesting, like BUPD Robbins, the answer lies in the legal statuts and precedents and begins with a conversation with an attorney.

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          1. I didn’t “ignore it,” I followed the link and saw nothing relevant to this story.

            Listen, arguing with me won’t change anything. It’s not a crime to be a Nazi. It’s not a crime to encourage someone else to join the Nazis.

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    2. Actually you’re wrong. discriminatory actions are a legal offense and can be punishable by law. Depending on the extent of the offense, punishment ranges from a verbal warning, to actual jail time.

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      1. These posters are basically a recruitment drive. They’re recruiting for what appears to be a very unpopular political group that teaches values we find abhorrent, but that doesn’t make them “discriminatory actions” and it’s certainly not a legal offense. There are many political groups in America founded on hate, they all have the right to exist and get their message out if they wish to. They don’t have a right to use Boston University’s property to do that, but that still doesn’t make it a crime.

        If they were put up by a student, then it doesn’t even amount to trespassing. At worst, the only “crime” here is that it appears they used label paper with an adhesive backing, so we have a mild case of vandalism.

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    3. This isn’t offensive. This is derogatory. It’s discounting a whole people and their history, and while this student may need not receive judiciary punishment, they should receive counseling.

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    4. What’s to investigate? It is a crime to disseminate ideas of hate based on racial superiority over others, it’s called Diffusion and Incitement to Racism and Discrimination. Umm, it’s pretty serious. Don’t turn this into a non-story.

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        1. It’s a law! This isn’t about vandalism, it’s about a person or group is trying to recruit hate. I understand free speech and unfortunately it allows all groups to demonstrate their beliefs, whether you believe in them or not. BU is a private institution so this is private property, it is akin to someone spray-painting a swastika on the side of your house, that person or group can be prosecuted not only for vandalism, but for possible hate crime.

          If you believe the campus police is the issue, I suggest you enter their station and draw a swastika on their wall. And attempt to walk out.

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          1. So you’re basically saying “it’s not about the vandalism” and then go on to give examples where you would be arrested for vandalism

            Who is the victim of this ‘hate crime’? Last time I checked, offending somebody isn’t against the law.

            While I in no way agree with the content of any of these messages, it’s pretty embarrassing to see college educated people posting stuff like this:

            “…unfortunately it allows all groups to demonstrate their beliefs, whether you believe in them or not.”

            Are you freaking kidding me, dude? This idea is literally what this entire country is founded on. Defending somebody’s right to free speech is not the same as defending the words themselves. If saying something offensive to others were illegal, we’d have a real problem; who gets to decide what’s offensive? You?

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      1. Regulations that apparently get ignored all the time.

        In any case, the campus police are talking about criminal charges, not merely enforcing some procedural rule about posting bills.

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        1. You are suggesting I am marginalizing those who are “lamenting censorship, the PC police, and the like?” I think you misunderstand what a socially marginalized group is. A person posting a comment about privilege does not equal institutionalized racism.

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          1. I know what the word marginalized means; your entire argument can be summarized as:

            “your opinions are irrelevant because you’re probably not part of the same group as me”

            “if you don’t agree with me it is probably because you are privileged”

            Ok, cool – you don’t know anything about anyone making these comments and make huge baseless assumptions about race and privilege because peoples’ viewpoints on free speech differ from yours.

            This line of dismissal is exactly the same as the one you are arguing against, making it ironic. If you don’t want your opinions dismissed on an assumed basis of race, don’t do it to others.

            Don’t believe me? What if I tell you I’m not white? Does that dissolve your entire argument?

            Argue against the points people make, don’t group them in a way that’s convenient for you to sweepingly dismiss. If you make it about race you’re just going to get into a shouting match about ‘who has it harder’, which is pretty useless in a discussion about free speech.

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  2. I’ve seen over 50 posts and shares on Facebook about this upsetting incident, and the Boston Globe beat you to posting an article about it, too. Where is the administration on this? Their silence is unaccaptable.

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    1. you sound like one of those people that just want to get upset at the administration for any reason. look, the BUPD is investigating and BUToday waited until they had this information before publishing an article. Does the “administration” have to comment on every issue the BUPD investigates?

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    2. Did you read the article, Autumn? It cites Pres. Brown’s letter of today condemning the posted messages. BU Today must have received a copy in advance, as we all did when Brown’s letter was emailed this afternoon. I’m no fan of the BU admin, but I support this stance of his. And it addresses your question asking “Where is the administration on this?”

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  3. But for the university-wide email, I never would have known about this. I imagine that’s the case for >95% of the university population. Not sure how I can be injured or victimized if I don’t know about it, but thankfully the entire university system is one giant safe space bubble.

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  4. How is this any different that the racist tweets by Professor Saida Grundy? I guess the difference is when a black person makes racist remarks it doesn’t count. Please don’t take this wrong I don’t support nor am I okay with these signs….just be fair. Until that happens racism will continue to be a part of our culture. Was Saida investigated? Did she loose her job? I know for teaching black history she had a lot of fact wrongs.

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    1. You’re kidding, right? You don’t see a difference between a sociologist with an advanced degree making public comments on race and an anonymous online Neo-Nazi group vandalizing University property?

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      1. I haven’t actually read about the Saida Grundy thing, so I don’t know what was said, but are you arguing that having an advanced degree makes it acceptable to publicly say offensive stuff?

        Just checking, cus I have one too and was unaware it carried that privilege

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        1. If you haven’t read about the “Saida Grudy thing” then why are you even weighing in? She has an advanced degree in sociology and made a comment on a societal/social issue– so, the two are related. This is not the same as making an inane point and then announcing an irrelevant degree.

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      2. Not when her comments are racist towards a specific race. Are you even aware of what she said? Having an advanced degree does not justify her comments. The fact that she is teaching at a University should teach her to refrain from making those comments. There have been white professors that have made similar comments, or not even as bad towards blacks, and have lost their jobs or been put on suspension. Boston University is obviously to scared to take the appropriate measure. Go back and look at her comments and then tell me how she is even able to teach black history. She does not have a true unbiased knowledge about the beginning of slavery. Racism will not end till all races learn to love each other and all mankind treats everyone equal. Time to stop justifying behavior and take responsibility for our own actions. Put the past in the past and move forward with love and acceptance.

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        1. Saida Grundy received severe publish backlash about her comments, including public criticism from BU President Brown and numerous calls to revoke her job offer. For all you know, this revocation was even explored by the university and was not found to be a viable option. What’s up with your witch hunt?

          Having an advanced degree at the very least earns her the assumption that she was making these comments as a social scientist and that they be responded to with actual facts rather than dismissed because individuals find them offensive. That’s the point of a university and the basis of having a doctorate degree. The fact that she’s “teaching at a University” should precisely be the impetus behind pursuing answers to inconvenient questions. The fact that she has an advanced degree at least gives her a basis from which to make her remarks- that’s a privilege she has earned.

          You obviously have some personal agenda, perhaps you took her black history class and didn’t like your grade.

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          1. She did not receive the same treatment as other white professors that lost their jobs. So please don’t try to justify the outcome. Here comments were not to spark debate or even educated…they were racist in nature. I have no agenda whatsoever…it is funny how people like you always turn it personal or racial when you have nothing better to say. For racism to stop there has to be equal treatment in all things…even punishment for racist remarks. Please review her comments before excusing her remarks based on a degree. Having a degree dose not mean you know what you are talking about. Sociology and psychology are great degrees that require a lot of work but until you practice what you learn you are at most giving an educated guess. There is a huge difference between book smart and having applied what you learned in the real world.

            If you going to reply please base it on substance and not emotion. Don’t lash out just because you have nothing of merit to say!

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  5. Hi, My name is Sofyan, I am a full time student in Dental school. I have to say that during my time in BU I have never felt or heard any kind of racism or harassment to any student of color or minority.
    students were treated equally. Faculty members have been and are getting equal opportunities for every one of them, and everyone is chosen based on its training, achievements and personality. I personally _as many of my colleagues_ had my chance in the school to be the president of my class, a representative in the dental student association, and have been treated fairly by everyone in the school.
    Yes, some students have an attitude, we should admit that racism still exist in the country, and with the national environment along with 2016 election season we may see more and more of such attitudes. But those reflect their parents and comunity more than BU.
    I do not support any criminal charges against these students, I am supporting a kind of civil campaigns and events to get these students to know the OTHERS. A civilized discussion will open their eyes and minds instead of criminal charges.
    I am sure that they did not have any previous relationships with black, Muslims or any color they feel they hate.
    Thank you

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    1. Hello Sofyan,
      I highly agree with your statement against criminal charges placed upon the persons or parties responsible for this unfortunate and undeniably racist situation. Knowing that it contains a great deal of hate, I realize how much it will be exacerbated if the person was to face criminal charges for the situation. I don’t know what the background or criminal record of the person is, but if he/she is currently without any record (and especially a BU student), such incriminating action will jeopardize his/her reputation. All people have the capacity for change and we must return hatred and lack of understanding with the proper guidance and care that BU is known for. That means not seeking the worst and greatest punishment possible for what is offensive but by reaching out in a caring and considerate way to mend a mind that is broken, a heart that is misled. Yes, the person did something very hateful. But all people have the capacity for change. If the person has not already taken physical and violent action against persons of color, we can change his/her mind and make our campus safer without incriminating the person.

      Furthermore, I strongly believe incrimination may lead to greater amounts of violence as the person seems to be supported by a group. Arresting the person will be seen as a catalyst for the supporting party to then seek “justice” in defense of the arrested person. The cycle of violence and the seeking of retribution may go on and on. But if we reach out with counseling, hate the action, and still see potential for change in the person then we can create change. It will at least prove him/her wrong that colored people or any people deserve the hatred currently shown.

      The greatest leaders of history and of our time including Martin Luther King (who our school highly honors) and Mohandaa Ghandi advocated passive and corrective action towards those who hate. I wholeheartedly believe that if the person is guilty of these messages alone, Dr. King himself would not be in support of his/her incrimination (which I repeat completely ruins the life of a student, kills his/her soul, and fills him/her with an unprecedented amount of hatred/anger). We should not tolerate racism but we should also find a solution to fix it in a way that will promote the closest we can get to peace, forgiveness, and understanding between all people.

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  6. Free Speech does not apply to hateful and racist speech. Whoever did this is just trying to get a rise out of people for their own personal enjoyment. It should not be tolerated anywhere in any form or language.

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    1. Uhh, it absolutely does apply to hateful and racist speech. Why do you think groups like the Westboro Baptist Church are allowed to exist?

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    2. And who decides what is hate speech and what is not? You either have free speech or you dont. Leftists sneakily trying to get around that pesky first amendment.

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      1. …let me stop you right there. Please don’t lump “leftists” in with those who don’t understand the amendments to the Constitution. This isn’t a left or right issue. This should be a conversation based on fact. Comments like that are unnecessary.

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    3. “Free Speech does not apply to hateful and racist speech”

      It’s absolutely scary that there are people who actually believe this.

      Free speech is to protect offensive speech — the speech you disagree with; the speech you find repulsive; the speech that offends you. Popular speech, by definition, needs no protection.

      Hate speech is protected speech; your emotions don’t override that.

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      1. Unfortunately hate speech is protected by the First Amendment federally. Only speech that creates a clear and present danger (like yelling “Fire” in a theater) is federally prohibited as I understand it. However, as BU is a private institution, a separate code applies, so I would think that BU will be able to prosecute those responsible. I certainly hope they do.

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  7. I’ll wager $50 this was done by someone deliberately trying to provoke a reaction like what happened at Yale recently, to bait people into making themselves look stupid. I’d say it’s working, based on the comments insisting hate speech is a crime.

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  8. Excuse me but if you are saying that this is not a problem and are white, it is so so so f*cked up. This is the most horrible thing I’ve encountered so far. There can’t exist any excuses to defend or ignore this! Horrible!

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  10. This screams staged, like all of the other previous instances of “racist messages” at American universities.

    Why does this always seem to happen at the places with the largest and most bloated institutions for the “oppressed”? Seems like just another false flag to justify their continued existence and expenditures in a time where instances of oppression are getting harder and harder to find and point to.

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