Hundreds of 'wanted' posters for Jewish faculty members are taken down from the University of Rochester campus.

Hundreds of "wanted" posters for Jewish faculty members were discovered on campus at the University of Rochester in recent days.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated on Wednesday that they believe all wanted posters, which were found in various campus buildings including classrooms, have been removed. However, if anyone discovers additional posters, they should contact the department.

DPS Chief Quchee Collins stated that the department has identified "several individuals of interest," including "current students, individuals whose current enrollment status is unclear, and other individuals," while continuing to investigate the incident.

According to USA Today, posters listed Jewish faculty members, including senior university leaders and members of the Board of Trustees, as "wanted" for "war crimes" in response to the Israeli military's operation against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Some posters accused these Jewish faculty members of "ethnic cleansing," "displacement of Palestinians," "racism," and "hate speech."

"The University of Rochester strongly condemns the recent display of 'wanted' posters targeting senior university leaders and members of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, as stated by University President Sarah Mangelsdorf in a statement on Tuesday. This act is disturbing, divisive, and intimidating and goes against our university's values."

"Moreover, some of those portrayed seem to have been targeted due to their membership in our Jewish community. We consider this behavior antisemitic and it will not be tolerated at our University," she stated. "This is not who we are. This goes against everything we stand for and we have a responsibility to reject it."

On Sunday night, DPS was informed that hundreds of posters featuring members of the university community as "wanted" were placed around campus. Immediately, the department began working to remove the posters and restore the spaces to their original condition. However, the removal process is challenging due to the strong adhesive used to attach the posters, which has caused damage to walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces in some cases.

DPS has contacted those in the posters to provide additional safety assistance and resources, as stated by Collins on Wednesday.

James Newell, who retired in August as the university's assistant security director, was reportedly targeted in connection to the arrest of a University of Rochester student in December 2023 who allegedly punched a school officer attempting to disperse an unauthorized anti-Israel campus protest. Despite his presence at the security office during the arrest, Newell said he believes he was targeted.

The posters featured Joy Getnick, a Hillel member at the University of Rochester, who stated that such signage promotes "harmful antisemitic beliefs about the Jewish people and Israel."

Getnick stated that they were spreading antisemitic hate on campus, with the intention of instilling fear.

"Collins stated on Wednesday that his office is continuing to investigate the incident and is working diligently to gather and analyze all relevant evidence. The goal is to identify and apprehend those involved and turn them over to the appropriate criminal justice and/or University conduct processes."

"Our University's chief stated that President Mangelsdorf's behavior cannot and will not be tolerated, and that the safety and well-being of our campus community remain our highest priority."

"Our department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming campus atmosphere, Collins stated. Although we have no evidence to suggest that this incident poses a threat to community safety, the act of publishing the names and photos of individuals on posters was clearly an attempt to intimidate them. Public Safety is currently monitoring all areas of the University while continuing our investigation, and we are prepared to respond promptly to anyone who feels unsafe."

DPS is collaborating with various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, New York State Police, New York Attorney General's office, Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's office, and Monroe County District Attorney's office, who have provided resources and support.