UNR police investigate swastika painted at new casino dorm
University of Nevada, Reno, police are investigating an act of vandalism in which a swastika was painted in the stairwell of the school’s new dorm at the Circus Circus casino.
The swastika was discovered on the 17th floor of Wolf Pack Hall, the converted Sky Tower at Circus Circus Reno, on Aug. 23, shortly after students moved in. However, university police are not sure if the swastika was there prior to the tower becoming student housing, according to university spokesperson Nicole Shearer, as the stairwell was little-used by university staff during the move-in process.
The investigation is ongoing, though university police have since said there is no video footage of the area in which the swastika was found, Shearer said.
On Aug. 24, Toby Toland, the university’s assistant director for residential life, sent a statement to students and families encouraging them to come forward if they or their loved ones experience acts of discrimination.
“One of our best ways to combat incidents of hate and bigotry is through education,” Toland’s statement said. “Additionally, we will continue to make every effort to monitor and confront statements and acts of discrimination.”
Contact Aleksandra Appleton at aappleton@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0218. Follow @aleksappleton on Twitter.
