The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed deep concern after racist graffiti reportedly targeting Asian, Jewish, and Muslim community members and threatening violence was found yesterday at San Jose State University (SJSU).
SEE: Racist graffiti threatening violence found on San Jose State University campus
According to reports, SJSU officials recently disclosed at least two incidents of racist and threatening graffiti on campus. In the most recent incident, the graffiti reportedly invoked white supremacist language, used swastikas and an anti-Asian slur, and threatened a mass shooting targeting Asian, Jewish, and Muslim community members on specific dates, warning people to stay away from a campus building. The messages were discovered in an academic building and a campus housing facility and have since been removed.
University officials have announced increased security measures, including expanded security cameras in public and exterior areas of residence halls, improvements to lighting, and additional foot patrols.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“Students should be able to walk into their classrooms and residence halls without wondering if they are being targeted for who they are. Racist graffiti that includes threats of violence against Asian, Jewish, and Muslim community members is not just vandalism—it sends a chilling message that some people’s very presence on campus is unwelcome. When hate targets one community, it puts all of our communities at risk.
“We affirm our solidarity with all SJSU students, regardless of faith or background, who are feeling shaken right now and urge law enforcement and university officials to take every measure to identify those responsible and ensure the security of all members of the SJSU community.”
CAIR-SFBA is calling on San Jose State University and local law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation, provide transparent updates to the campus community, and ensure robust counseling and mental health support for students who feel targeted or unsafe.
CAIR-SFBA encourages any student, staff, or community member who has experienced or witnessed a hate incident to contact its Civil Rights Department at 408.986.9874 or visit bit.ly/cairsfba-report-hate.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408-498-5779, ladam@cair.com