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An anti-Semitic sign was discovered around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 6 on a University Village (UV) apartment door.
The sign appears to have been directed at Jazzmyn Wilson, biology freshman. Wilson and her family are Hebrew, which she said is similar to Judaism. Hebrews adhere to the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, she said, but not the oral traditions of the Talmud, rabbinical discussions on Jewish law and customs.
Wilson's roommate Vatti Howe, biology freshman, found the sign, which was drawn on the back of a red movie screening flier. Howe said she was shocked because Wilson's religion isn't well known outside her circle of friends.
"It's not like I wear a big Star of David around my neck - people only know if they ask," Wilson said. "I just want whoever did it to know it doesn't scare me ... I'll stand up for my religion for as long as I live."
Wilson learned of sign the immediately prior to a pre-calculus test. When she finished, she said she had two messages on her phone: one from her concerned father and another from KDFW Fox 4 reporter Lynn Kawano.
A film crew interviewed Wilson and her roommates and the story ran on KDFW Fox 4 at 6 p.m. that day.
Residential Life called a mandatory meeting in the Phase VIII clubhouse for building residents the evening of Nov. 6. Ryan White, director of residential life, told students what had happened and asked them to be aware of what was going on in their community.
UTD Police Capt. Steve Finney offered to answer questions and asked students with more information to contact the police.
Wilson told police she'd want to press charges if the person responsible was caught. Finney said UTD Police were investigating the incident as a disorderly conduct case, which carries a fine of up to $500.
"Never have I ever felt this kind of discrimination. I never even felt that energy on campus," Wilson said. "All the people I've met have been accepting."
UTD President David Daniel posted a response on UTD's Web site Nov. 6. The incident seemed to result from simple-minded bigotry, Daniel said, which is unacceptable because UTD's academic environment relies upon open exchange of diverse perspectives.
One week after the sign was found, White said there were no updates on the incident and concern for student privacy prevented him from discussing details.
Finney said police recovered a small number of fliers created in response to the sign from clips outside UV doors Nov. 6, but no related incidents have been reported since.
Wilson said she may move if an apartment becomes available.
"I need to remember I can't let my guard down or take my safety for granted," Wilson said. "It's a taste of reality, sadly."
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