The University of Nantes announced on Tuesday, March 26, that it had filed a complaint after discovering neo-Nazi anti-Semitic inscriptions on one of its campuses, a fact that the prefect of Loire-Atlantique declared to have reported to the authorities. The university reported in a statement sent to Agence France-Presse that “anti-Semitic tags were found on the Tertre campus” and strongly condemned these incitements to hate and anti-Semitism, filing a complaint for vandalism of public property and incitement to hate.
The prefect of the department also strongly condemned these anti-Semitic acts calling for hate and immediately reported them to the public prosecutor under article 40 of the penal code. Local media reported that these anti-Semitic inscriptions include at least one swastika, a symbol of Nazi ideology. Photos circulated by the newspaper Presse Océan also show Celtic crosses, which are part of the imagery of many ultranationalist and identitarian extreme right movements.
The leaders of French universities and grandes écoles have reported “67 anti-Semitic acts” within their institutions since the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, according to the association France Universités. The rise in anti-Semitic acts within higher education institutions is a cause for concern and warrants a strong response from authorities to address these hateful and discriminatory behaviors.
Anti-Semitic behaviors and symbols have no place in academic institutions, and it is the responsibility of universities and authorities to take firm action against such acts of hatred. The University of Nantes has taken the step of filing a complaint and condemning the inscriptions found on its campus, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff.
The presence of neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic symbols on university campuses is a disturbing trend that must be addressed swiftly and effectively. It is crucial for educational institutions to promote tolerance, diversity, and understanding, and to protect all members of their community from discrimination and prejudice. By taking a stand against these hateful acts, the University of Nantes and other academic institutions are sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
In light of the recent increase in anti-Semitic acts within higher education institutions, it is essential for universities to implement measures to educate students about the dangers of hate speech and discrimination, and to promote a culture of respect and acceptance. Through proactive efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, universities can create a more inclusive and harmonious campus environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
