MIT investigating messages of hate, violence found on campus over the past week

MIT police are investigating a series of hateful speech incidents on campus, including hand-drawn swastikas and graffiti that promote violence against a conservative non-profit. President Sally Kornbluth expressed alarm at these acts, noting their potential to incite violence, particularly after the shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. She stressed that membership in the MIT community comes with a duty to treat others with decency and respect. The university plans to hold responsible parties accountable through a disciplinary process. Concurrently, Boston University issued a campus-wide alert about a “disturbing email” that was later found to be a non-credible threat.

This alert reflects the growing tensions on college campuses following Kirk's assassination. Boston University College Republicans have voiced concerns about feeling silenced due to fear of backlash. The incidents at both institutions highlight the increasing polarization and hostility affecting academic environments.