The NYPD is investigating after someone raised a swastika flag on the campus of New York University on Wednesday.
A man walking in Washington Square Park in the afternoon noticed the flag flying above one of the school's buildings and notified CBS News New York.
The flag appeared to resemble a purple version of the Israeli flag, with stripes and a Star of David in the center. However, inside the star was the NYU torch emblem, and, on either side, large swastikas.
The flag was quickly taken down, but the damage was done. NYU said in a statement it is working with the police to try to identify the person responsible.
"We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park," a spokesperson said, in part, adding, "We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus."
It was a disturbing sight for students gathering to celebrate graduation week.
"It's just disgusting, actually. Kind of repulsive," graduating senior Luca Pasquini said.
"It's hurtful," nursing graduate Jiani Zou said.
Those students said the display does not reflect their experience at NYU, or the community they know.
"Everyone at NYU is always very welcoming, and whenever I see this sort of thing it's honestly shocking," Pasquini said.
Source: Drudge Report
