San Jose State University is grappling with a surge of antisemitic and racist graffiti discovered on campus this week, prompting an investigation by university police and raising alarms within the Jewish community. The incidents, which included threats targeting Jewish students, as well as those identifying as Asian and Muslim, have led to increased security measures and a campus-wide sense of unease.
The graffiti, appearing on building walls on March 11 and 12, contained phrases calling for the “eradication of Jews,” and chillingly referenced Osama bin Laden with the message “make Osama proud.” Other messages included “Kill all Jews” and “avoid SJSU 4 Muslims.” The incidents come amid reports of a possible hate crime in nearby Santana Row, where two Jewish men reported being attacked, further escalating tensions in the area. This latest outbreak of hate speech underscores a growing pattern of antisemitism and racism at the university, with similar incidents reported in the recent past.
Investigation Underway, Community on Alert
University police are actively investigating the graffiti, but Philip Heller, President of the SJSU Jewish Faculty and Staff Assoc., expressed concern that the response isn’t enough. Heller noted that while the university offered counseling sessions to students, attendance was low, reportedly due to fears of congregating a large number of Jewish students in one location during a time of perceived threat. “What we’ve seen on this campus this week was words, not physical violence,” Heller said, but added, “We have seen physical violence in the past and my concern is that we’ll notice more.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. According to Heller, there have been other antisemitic incidents on campus, including previous instances of graffiti reported just months ago. The latest graffiti also targeted Chinese and Muslim students, indicating a broader pattern of hate-motivated vandalism. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) has also expressed deep concern over the racist and threatening graffiti, recognizing the impact on multiple communities. CAIR-SFBA released a statement condemning the incidents and calling for a thorough investigation.
Previous Incidents and Security Response
San Jose State University has experienced similar issues recently. In November 2025, graffiti threatening a mass shooting at the campus was discovered in MacQuarrie Hall, accompanied by a swastika. The Mercury News reported at the time that the university police department assessed the threat as “low risk,” citing a lack of evidence indicating an imminent plan for violence. Despite this assessment, the incidents prompted increased security measures, including expanded security cameras and improved lighting in residence halls. CBS News reported on these security enhancements.
More recently, on March 14, 2026, ABC7 News reported that the university is continuing to investigate the latest incidents. University officials have not yet identified the individual or individuals responsible for the graffiti, but have vowed to hold them accountable.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns
The San Jose State University Police Department is urging anyone with information about the graffiti to contact them at 408-924-2222 or through the Spartan Safe mobile app. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the credibility of the threats and identify those responsible. The incidents have sparked a broader conversation about safety and inclusivity on campus, and the need for continued vigilance against hate speech and violence.
As the investigation continues, the San Jose State community remains on edge. The combination of recent incidents, both on and off campus, has created a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly for Jewish, Asian, and Muslim students. The university’s response, while including increased security and counseling services, is being closely watched by students and community leaders who are demanding a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of hate and discrimination.
What comes next will depend on the outcome of the police investigation and the university’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Further updates will be provided as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
