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Chalk messages around campus depict the symbol of Islam with an “X” over it.
There were also drawings of the symbol of Islam with an X over it and messages saying “Islam isn’t peace.”
The chalk messages were found in places including in front of Wilson Library, in front of Lenoir Dining Hall and around Polk Place.
Some messages were faded and appeared to be wiped away or had water poured on them.
First-year Kayla Dowdy said she saw students pouring their water bottles on different chalk messages left on campus.
Dowdy said she thought the chalk messages were unnecessary and that she felt people needed to learn to respect each other.
“Everyone has different opinions, I think, tolerance is a thing that we need to learn, and it is just kind of sad because it is not what we need to be doing right now, especially in like these troubling times,” she said.
MC VanGraafeiland, a spokesperson for the University, released a statement on Sunday in response to the chalk messages around campus.
“UNC police are aware and are looking into it,” the statement said. “While we have a campus that allows for free expression, we encourage individuals to do so in a way that maintains a culture of respect and inclusion and to engage in thoughtful dialogue.”
In February, posters were put on campus depicting violence against fascists and destruction of hats saying “Make America Great Again.”
“The flyer and its message are the antithesis of the values that are the foundation of our University, ” Chancellor Carol Folt wrote in response to the posters.
First-year Elise King said she saw drawings on her walk from South Campus to North Campus, and that there were drawings around Rams Head Dining Hall.
King said Sunday was the first day she had noticed the chalk messages.
She said it looked like people have been trying to wipe the messages away — she saw groups of people squatting around the messages and wiping their hands across them.
She said she saw vulgar drawings with foul language and hate messages.
“They aren’t very inclusive messages, I guess, not very nice,” King said. “I mean I don’t really pay much attention to them, I was just walking by Rams. But the ones I have seen, they have been kind of vulgar.”
King said she felt disheartened after seeing the messages around campus.
“It kind of makes me sad that people feel that is necessary to do,” King said. “We’re all here together, might as well include everyone and not say mean things.”
The Daily Tar Heel welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic.
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