ACF Commends NYU for Pursuing Accountability After Antisemitic Flag Incident

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) commends New York University for pursuing accountability following the arrest of Alexander Stepnowsky, a student allegedly involved in the antisemitic incident that occurred during the university’s graduation week, when a flag bearing swastikas and a Star of David was raised atop the Steinhardt building overlooking Washington Square Park.

According to NYU, Stepnowsky is a fourth-year student who has not yet received a diploma. The university stated that it cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation and is pursuing disciplinary action that could include expulsion and the revocation of his degree.

The university thanked the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their work on the case, calling the display a “heinous crime” and stating that the symbols used were “antisemitic and hateful to every person of conscience.” The university further noted that the incident “violated our sense of community and solidarity.”

ACF applauds NYU for taking the incident seriously and for pursuing both disciplinary and legal accountability. It is vital for the university to enforce its policies in order to uphold community standards and ensure a safe, respectful, and fair environment for all students. 

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.