A group of fraternity brothers from Alpha Epsilon Pi discovered racist graffiti of a Nazi flag in the west free expression tunnel early Sunday morning, Koby Ellick, president of the fraternity, said.
Ellick, junior risk management insurance major, said he was notified immediately after the graffiti was discovered.
“They took action in documenting it and spray painting over it,” Ellick said. “The people who did this and made that hateful imagery, all they want is a reaction and to spread negative energy and to intimidate students. We want to make this a place for everyone. We’re all Mountaineers.”
Alpha Epsilon Pi is a fraternity on campus with roots in Jewish culture and heritage. Members of the fraternity are primarily from the Jewish community.
“What we do as a fraternity is tied specifically into an aspect called tikkun olam, which translates to repairing the world,” Ellick said. “We take that very seriously, and we are very active in the community.”
Ellick said that he encourages anyone who can to attend the talk by Holocaust survivor, Dr. Susan Cernyak-Spats on Tuesday in the Table Rock Room of Plemmons Student Union at 7 p.m.
“In my opinion, education is the only way to combat hate and promote diversity, and really, truly understand someone else’s experiences,” Ellick said. “AEPi is also in the works of planning an event to bring the community together, and to show that our diversity is a part of our strengths.”
