New York State Police and the State Division of Human Rights are jointly investigating an alleged hate crime on the campus of SUNY Geneseo last week when a swastika with the word ‘Trump ’ was found in a residence hall. SUNY Student Assembly President Marc Cohen says students seem discouraged about this kind of speech being spread on their campus.
“We need to be strong, we need to be unified, and we need to move forward together, resolved. Speak out against social injustice, prejudice, and anti-semitism,” Cohen said. “Make it known to anyone listening, we will not be silenced, we will not be intimidated, and we will fight back against hate and bigotry of every and any kind.”
Looking beyond the incident, Cohen says diversity, equity, and inclusion are executed on campus by student leaders, faculty, and the administration. Under Cohen’s tenure, the Student Assembly has passed resolutions for gender inclusive language and resolutions against discrimination.
“We have recognized the need for discussion surrounding these critical issues,” Cohen said. “By expanding these conversations and including as many students as possible, beyond just my leadership, but students from across the system. We have been and will continue to be successful in combating this hate. The idea here is to be proactive and not reactive.”
Cohen says he was disheartened by the numerous campaign messages from both sides, but he knows it’s important as student leaders to be strong and to stand united.
“We’ll do everything that we possibly can to ensure that anyone on any of our campuses feeling such hatred and vindictive feelings will be pointed out and will be held accountable for their actions,” Cohen said.
Another incident is being investigated in Wellsville in the Southern Tier.
New York State has a zero-tolerance of hate crimes when offenders target a victim based on a belief or perception such as race, color, gender, national origin or religion.
