University Students Face Hate Crime Charges
Two students from Syracuse University are facing charges related to a hate crime after they reportedly threw a bag of pork at a Jewish fraternity during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.
The event took place at the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity House around 6 PM on Tuesday, according to Allen Groves, the Chief Student Experience Officer at the university.
One of the students is said to have entered the fraternity house and hurled clear plastic bags of pork against the walls, causing splatters on the decor and floors, as reported by campus police.
After the incident, the individual fled the scene and got into a car with another man. Both, aged 18, were swiftly apprehended and charged with robbery as a hate crime, as well as criminal nuisance.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick noted that these charges stem from the fact that the fraternity has historical ties to Jewish students.
“This is not just a thoughtless college prank and won’t be treated like one,” Fitzpatrick stated. “It’s recognized for what it is: a crime against a group of Jewish students enjoying a holiday meal in what should be a safe environment.”
Groves indicated that the two men would be directed to the university’s Community Standards Office for possible disciplinary actions based on the institution’s student behavior code.
“What occurred is simply unacceptable, deeply disturbing, and contradicts our commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere,” Groves remarked in a statement on the university’s website. “At Syracuse University, such behavior will not be tolerated.”
