ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Authorities have arrested four University of Rochester students following the discovery of numerous posters labeling Jewish faculty members as “wanted” on campus, according to university officials.

A significant crowd, including students, faculty, and supporters, gathered in a courtroom Wednesday morning for the arraignment of Samantha Escobar, Naomi Gutierrez, Jefferson Turcios, and Jonathan Bermudez. The four individuals were taken into custody by the university’s Department of Public Safety on Tuesday and held at the Monroe County Jail until their court appearance.

All four students face second-degree criminal mischief charges, classified as a felony, due to alleged damage caused to campus property.

University representatives reported that they became aware of the posters on November 10 and initiated their removal right away. These posters appeared in various locations, including classrooms, and their removal resulted in damage to the walls and other surfaces, according to officials.

The criminal complaint does not specify the details of the posters, which accused certain faculty members of being “wanted” for their alleged role in the suffering of Gaza residents amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Smaller text on the posters charged some individuals with racism, hate speech, and involvement in war crimes.

The Jewish campus organization, Hillel at the University of Rochester, condemned the posters last week, asserting they “unfairly targeted Jewish faculty and staff and employed language that perpetuates harmful, antisemitic stereotypes about Jewish individuals.”

Another group, the student-led Jewish Voice for Peace, commented that the individuals depicted on the posters are connected more by their support for Israel’s ongoing actions in the Middle East rather than by their religious or ethnic identities.

Wearing prison jumpsuits, the four accused students appeared before Rochester City Court Judge Charles Crimi. A significant number of supporters filled the usually quiet courtroom, observing silently as all four pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance.

Four Students Charged with Criminal Mischief for ‘Wanted’ Posters

According to the felony complaints, second-degree criminal mischief occurs when an individual intentionally damages another person’s property without the right to do so, or any reasonable belief that they have such a right, and when the damage exceeds $1,500.

If the students are convicted, the charge could lead to a maximum of seven years in state prison as well as fines reaching $5,000. The complaints claim that the students placed the posters on various surfaces around campus on November 10, creating damage to university property.

“The defendants and other participants were seen on CCTV deliberately spraying chalkboards and whiteboards with an unknown substance using spray bottles, attaching these ‘Wanted’ posters, and then spraying over them with another unidentified aerosol substance,” states the felony complaint.

It further alleges that the posters were affixed using superglue or a similar strong adhesive, causing significant damage during their removal, necessitating replacement, resurfacing, and repainting of the affected walls.

Moreover, a counterbalanced chalkboard system was also reported damaged and will need replacing, according to the complaint. The total costs for repairs and replacements exceed $6,000 but could rise further as additional vendor estimates are received.

University President: Accused Students Undergo Conduct Review

The university’s Department of Public Safety announced on November 15 that five individuals of interest were recognized in the investigation of the “wanted” posters.

On Tuesday, the university’s public safety chief, Quchee Collins, confirmed that four students, now identified as Escobar, Gutierrez, Turcios, and Bermudez, were arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief. A fifth individual remains under investigation, Collins stated in a press release.

Collins also mentioned that university investigators explored whether the case could be classified as a hate crime under state or federal law. University leaders, along with local Jewish organizations and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, condemned the posters as antisemitic.

Following discussions with state and federal law enforcement, Collins stated that while the students’ actions were clearly “targeted and biased,” they currently do not fulfill the legal requirements of a hate crime. This status may change as legal proceedings continue.

University President Sarah Mangelsdorf emphasized the school’s commitment to holding the responsible parties accountable. She stated, “In addition to the criminal justice process, the students facing accusations will also go through the University’s conduct procedures,” in a statement released after the arrests.

Responses from Students and Faculty

The University of Rochester is currently one of many colleges across the United States grappling with increased tensions after the Hamas attack on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. This incident has sparked a range of anti-war protests and a rise in incidents fueled by hate.

Students advocating for Palestinian rights have accused university authorities of silencing their voices and punishing them for demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and urging the divestment from Israeli institutions. Last fall, numerous universities faced accusations that their officials disrupted peaceful protests, associating pro-Palestinian movements with support for Hamas.

Faculty member Sandra Boehlert shared her concerns regarding the atmosphere of fear among professors and the community surrounding the University of Rochester.

“There is a significant amount of fear in the nation, and we should collaborate to address this fear,” Boehlert remarked. “From what I have experienced, the campus environment at the University of Rochester has been non-violent and peaceful.”

Nora Goodman, a Jewish student in her third year, brought freshly baked Challah, a traditional Jewish bread, to share with her peers outside the courtroom. She argued that the university’s reaction to the posters was excessive and unwarranted.

“These posters do not promote antisemitism as most individuals mentioned are not Jewish,” Goodman pointed out. “Many students recognize the absurdity of this situation and how unprecedented the university’s response has been, particularly given the misleading claims in their communications.”

Third-year student Sarah Lajitawi expressed her support for her friends in attendance.

“These are individuals I deeply care about; they are dedicated students committed to social justice, freedom, and equality for everyone,” Lajitawi shared, visibly emotional, as she stood outside the courthouse.

Lajitawi felt disheartened by the university’s handling of this issue, suggesting that their response has fueled further hatred on campus and created divisions among students.

“From what I, and my activist friends, have seen, those who advocate for Palestine are not being supported when faced with harassment. My political identity as a Palestinian cannot be silenced; I face attacks because of it, yet there have been no repercussions,” Lajitawi stated.

Stanley Martin, a council member for the city of Rochester, attended to demonstrate her support for the arrested students. “Witnessing four young individuals emerge from the court in jumpsuits is truly outrageous,” she expressed.

As an alumna of the university, Martin conveyed her disappointment with the institution’s approach.

“The University of Rochester seemingly prioritizes profit and the interests of those in power, neglecting the safety and well-being of students whose families expected them to be secure while attending the university,” Martin opined.

Note: Minor adjustments were made to accurately represent an individual’s identity, and the story has been updated accordingly.