A Hamilton College student has been charged with posting antisemitic remarks on campus, authorities said. The New York State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the private college after receiving a report of antisemitic remarks being posted on art canvases on campus. The school conducted its own investigation and identified 19-year-old student Adyn S. Brenden as the suspect in the defacing of college property with hate speech. Brenden was located in his dorm room and admitted to posting the remarks during an interview with state police, saying he did so to show the underlying message of the pro-Palestinian movement and drew swastikas to relate past events in Nazi Germany to the current situation in Palestine. He was taken into custody and processed on a count of first-degree aggravated harassment.
Brenden is due to appear at Kirkland Town Court to face the charges. Hamilton College has suspended him from campus pending a hearing for his dismissal from the school, but officials have stated that there is no threat against students or faculty at the college. The school expressed gratitude to the NYSP and Campus Safety for their response to the situation and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe campus free from bias acts, discrimination, or harassment. Brenden, part of the class of 2027, is not currently attending the college and had not been suspected of posting anything antisemitic in the past. It remains unclear whether the defendant has legal representation.
The arrest of Brenden comes shortly after Hamilton College’s Center for Jewish Life held a vigil marking the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ incursion on Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to a rise in protests and calls for divestment actions on college campuses across the U.S. The war has resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza and Lebanon, triggering protests and bias incidents targeting various groups. The conflict has also led to a rise in reports of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian bias incidents in the U.S.
The incident at Hamilton College underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on communities and individuals. The college’s response to the situation reflects its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff. The decision to suspend Brenden pending a hearing for dismissal sends a strong message that hate speech and discriminatory actions will not be tolerated on campus. The role of law enforcement and campus security in investigating and addressing incidents of hate speech is crucial in upholding the safety and well-being of the college community.
As the case proceeds and Brenden faces the charges against him, it is essential for the college to have robust policies and resources in place to address instances of bias, discrimination, and harassment. Educating the campus community on the impact of hate speech and promoting understanding and dialogue among diverse groups can help prevent future incidents. By taking a firm stance against acts of hate and intolerance, Hamilton College is working to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity where all individuals feel valued and supported. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating prejudice and discrimination, and the importance of collective efforts to create a more equitable and tolerant society.
