2008 Woodie Awards
Anti-Semitic sign found on campus apartment
Lauren Buell
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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."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 53
Madmunk
posted 11/17/08 @ 11:26 AM CST
Unfortunately for real victims, the victims wind up themselves being at least initially suspect in what might be a real case of harrassment. This is because of statistics saying about 80% of these cases are self inflicted. (Continued…)
bob
posted 11/17/08 @ 2:57 PM CST
Can someone explain how the local media became aware of the issue almost immediately after the sign was posted?
Very fishy.
bob
posted 11/17/08 @ 10:00 PM CST
btw, can someone explain to me how a crime was committed here?
I don't agree with the sign at all, but the idea that you can be charged with disorderly conduct for saying something someone doesn't like is chilling. (Continued…)
Dez
posted 11/21/08 @ 6:39 AM CST
It is sad in this day and age that this kind of thing still happens. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for freedom of speech, however when you take that freedom and inflict pain on someone, whether it is physical, emotional or mental, then you need to reevaluate what your going to say or write. (Continued…)
bob
posted 11/21/08 @ 6:59 AM CST
Mike:
"Placing a sign that says "No Jews Allowed" on a door of someone who is Jewish is clearly a threatening action"
How? Explain the threat that was communicated in the sign. (Continued…)
bob
posted 11/21/08 @ 10:45 AM CST
Janet:
"Because, BOB, this is exactly the way the Holocaust occurred in Germany. Do read your history books. "
I read my history books and the holocaust, as it is told in the books, was about putting people in camps and gas chambers. (Continued…)
Bob
posted 11/21/08 @ 11:09 AM CST
"I did not assert that the sign fell under the clear and present danger clause, I merely asserted that freedom of speech is not an absolute right. You would do well to read before you criticize. (Continued…)
D
posted 11/21/08 @ 12:05 PM CST
It isn't freedom of speech when it isolates members of a group! And - that's the first step to genocide, which has been proven time and time again. You should sign up for a class on campus - the psychology of prejudice - a great, eye-opening class. (Continued…)
Karim Fatehi
posted 11/21/08 @ 2:23 PM CST
So wrong. I always found UTD very welcoming. Wonder if thats changing.
e
posted 11/21/08 @ 7:31 PM CST
"Do you mean to assert that the private residence of another citizen is a reasonable place to post unwanted speech? Posting the unwanted sign on a private residence is a violation of property rights, whatever is on the sign. (Continued…)
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