By Mercer Stauch
On Nov. 6, 2024, library student employee August Grey (‘27) discovered and reported vandalism in Collins Memorial Library’s main floor men’s restroom. The message, written before the 2024 presidential election, read: “I hope Trump wins so that pedo men stop going into women’s bathrooms.” The message was accompanied by a swastika symbol and the acronym “KKK.”
Security Services, which chose not to comment due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, removed the vandalism and filed a report within an hour of Grey’s alert. Before that, “My boss put a trash can in front of the bathroom to just make sure nobody went in,” Grey said.
Multiple University offices are looking into the incident, including Title IX and Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. “We are actively investigating the incident and once the investigation has concluded, we will report back to the community to the extent possible,” said Sandra Braedt, Title IX coordinator. According to Grey, this investigation has included email outreach to everyone who used their key card to enter the library that evening and a review of library camera footage. Braedt also encouraged students to contact her office or Security Services if they have any additional information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Grey, who is trans, expressed deep frustration and sadness about the message appearing on campus. The vandalism evokes “groups that perpetrate violence and will hurt people.” He added, “If people ever need somebody to walk with, I’ll walk with them. We will protect each other.”
Katy Hassing (‘24), the Collins Library Evening Supervisor, said: “Here at Collins, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space for all students, staff, faculty and community members, and we do not stand for any hateful messages that may be within our walls.”