By Amira Benjamin

Toronto Metropolitan University issued a statement on October 2 regarding antisemitic vandalism discovered in the Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC) student residence.

The statement condemns the vandalism, saying that “antisemitism has no place at TMU,” and  “behaviour that targets or causes harm to members of our community goes against the university’s values.”

The statement did not specify when the vandalism occurred or where in the building it was discovered. 

DCC residents approached by The Eyeopener on Friday said they were unaware of the vandalism and did not receive any additional information as residents of the building.

The public statement said the university is investigating the incident and has engaged Human Rights Services and the Student Care team. 

Human Rights Services is part of the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion and tasked with promoting a campus environment free from discrimination and harassment.

In August, the university released an external review from retired Ontario Justice Mary Lou Benotto, exploring the campus climate post-Oct. 7, 2023. The report outlines what some participants described as rising antisemitism. This included recounts from participants who recalled seeing “antisemitic graffiti in campus washrooms and common areas, including symbols and messaging found threatening” 

The university said the incident will be addressed through the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct and the Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

The Eye reached out to the university for additional information, but was told there’s nothing, “more than the statement at the time.”