Vandalization of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers–New Brunswick  

April 10, 2024

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community:

Today we received disturbing and horrifying news that the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) was broken into and vandalized last night. The vandalism included destruction of property, defacing artwork, violating the prayer space, and stealing a Palestinian flag. This heinous act of vandalism took place during Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Muslim religious holidays, where people worldwide gather for prayers and perform acts of charity to celebrate the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

I unequivocally condemn this act of violence against the Rutgers–New Brunswick Muslim community and the desecration of a religious and community space. Such acts of hatred and bigotry against anyone in our community have no place at Rutgers and will not be tolerated. We must recommit to respecting and embracing people of all faiths and identities.

Rutgers has one of the largest Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities of any university in the country, and this community is part of the considerable diversity of our campus and New Jersey. The CILRU and others have worked diligently to create a vibrant and welcoming religious and community space for Muslim students, faculty, and staff. I applaud their work. We will not give in to any efforts to divide our community. We are resilient, and now is the time to come together to end all forms of bigotry and incitement toward hatred and to loudly say with one voice: hatred and violence have no place on our campus and in our state.

We will work to repair and rebuild the Center for Islamic Life, but equally important is the healing that needs to occur in the hearts and minds of the Rutgers–New Brunswick community. I invite everyone in our community to work together, stand together, and support all individuals and groups affected by this act of cowardice. Let us recommit to our shared values of respect, care, and dialogue across differences. The safety of our community is our highest priority.

Please also be aware that the Rutgers University Police Department is working closely with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, which is investigating this matter as a hate crime. The University will cooperate fully with this investigation and share updates as they become available. Additionally, RUPD is increasing the presence of patrol and security units on the College Avenue campus.

Finally, I wish to call your attention to student resources that may be helpful as you process this distressing news:

• Offices of the Dean of Students-Advocacy, Outreach and Support: deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu or 848-932-2300
• Faith and Spirituality Office: 848-932-5500
• Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: 848-932-1181
• Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): 848-932-7884 or register for daily virtual drop-in hours
• Connect with a counselor via UWill
• Students may also visit the Cultural Centers for support (Asian American Cultural Center, Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Center for Social Justice Education and LBGT Communities, and Paul Robeson Cultural Center).
   

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick