University of Iowa investigating vandalism of campus mural

The University of Iowa is investigating vandalism found in a campus pedestrian tunnel - a swastika drawn in pencil on a mural that represented Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A student found the scrawling Wednesday in the tunnel near Danforth Chapel.

UI police removed the mark, and they're continuing to investigate. The artist who created the vandalized mural also touched up the artwork, according to a statement to the campus community from Dean of Students Lyn Redington and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President Georgina Dodge.

In the statement, the administrators said, 'We are united in condemning this incident and the recent white supremacy messages found at the UI Library.”

'We reaffirm our efforts to build a community that is safe and inclusive for everyone,” according to the statement. 'And hateful messages and symbols do not reflect the values of our institution.”

Every UI community member has a duty to 'uphold our shared values of compassion, inclusion, respect, and dignity,” the statement said.

Last month, media reported that 'a card promoting white supremacy” was found in the UI Libraries. According to social media images, it said, 'Alt-right” and 'America was 90 percent white in 1950. Now it's 60 percent. Make America Great Again.”

The UI administration is reminding students that vandalism is a violation of the student life code, and defacing facilities might lead to disciplinary action.

Anyone with information can contact UI police at 319-335-5022.

l Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com