Hindus’ success : Emory University (Atlanta, US) issues an apology for calling “Swastik” pernicious.

Kartik Krushnapaksha Dwadashi, Kaliyug Varsha 5116

On October 5th 2014, the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house, a historically Jewish fraternity at Emory University, was the target of crude graffiti, including Swastiks, shortly after the end of the observance of Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday. On October 6th, 2014, Emory University’s President released a statement on the University website, denouncing this act. However, in his statement he mentioned, “Among the many pernicious things the swastika symbolizes, in the last century it represented the most egregious and determined undermining of intellectual freedom and truth-seeking. In short, its appearance on our campus is an attack against everything for which Emory stands.”

An Emory University alumnus and devout Hindu promptly wrote to the Emory University’s President, explaining how the Swastik, a holy and auspicious Hindu symbol, is misunderstood and misapplied by extremists and fanatic groups throughout the last century. In the letter, she also requested the University’s President to act not only with sensitivity towards Hindus who were hurt by this (as Hindus are embarrassed and humiliated by this association), but also with a desire and goal to educate the society about the Swastik. Further she mentioned that the language chosen by the University President only served to propagate the misconceptions surrounding the Swastik and in turn, the Hindu culture from which it originally stems. She requested him to reflect greater perspicuity while writing any future correspondences with student fraternity and community at large.          

In response, the Assistant Dean of Campus Life of Emory University wrote and apologized to the Hindu Alumnus for the way the message was conveyed in regards to the Swastik. The Assistant Dean mentioned that they had heard from a great number of alumni and students that while they support the anti-Nazi sentiment, this completely disregards the importance of this symbol for other faith traditions. She assured that they have been working with the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and the student run Inter Religious Council to ensure that all students of all faith backgrounds feel supported during this time. She apologized for how they handled this statement.

(O supporters of Hindu Dharma, let us pay gratitude unto Shrikrushna for this response from the Emory University. This shows the importance of promptly protesting any denigration. Let us be alert towards denigration of Hindu Dharma and protest it promptly and peacefully! – Editor.)

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Swastikas Painted On Jewish Fraternity House At Emory University Hours After Yom Kippur

Swastikas were found outside the traditionally Jewish AEPi fraternity at Emory University this weekend.

Offensive graffiti – including swastikas – was found early Sunday morning on the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter house at Emory University, the university confirmed to Business Insider Sunday.

AEPi is a national traditionally Jewish fraternity, and the swastikas and other graffiti were spray painted on the house shortly after the end of Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in Judaism. Emory campus police is investigating the offensive graffiti and has increased patrols around the area of the fraternity house, according to the university.

Below is an image of the graffiti that is being passed around social media [the person pictured is a member of the fraternity]:

Swastikas were also found at the main campus library last month, according to a crime report published by student newspaper The Emory Wheel. It is not immediately clear if the two instances are related.

An Emory spokesperson provided Business Insider with the following statement on the swastikas and other graffiti found outside AEPi this weekend:

The Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity house at Emory University was the target of crude, offensive graffiti, including swastikas, early Sunday morning, Oct. 5. AEPi is an historically Jewish fraternity and the incident occurred shortly after the end of Yom Kippur on Saturday, one of the Jewish highest holidays.

This abhorrent act will not be tolerated and does not reflect the values of the Emory University community.

Emory Police officers are actively investigating the incident and have increased patrols to the area. Campus Life officials are meeting with student leaders to provide support and determine next steps for response.

Source : Business Insider