DeJope Residence Hall on the University of Wisconsin campus was targeted with anti-native graffiti on Monday, which the City of Madison declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to campus administration.
The words “Columbus Rules 1492” were found in red paint on a sacred fire circle at Dejope Residence Hall Monday morning, according to a letter from Vice Provost for Student Life Lori Berquam sent to members of Wunk Sheek, an indigenous student group on campus.
The graffiti was removed immediately.
An email sent to the entire campus community signed by Berquam, Housing Director Jeff Novak and Vice Provist Patrick Sims reads, in part, “UW–Madison strongly condemns this criminal act and the clear bigotry behind it, particularly on a day that is so significant to Native American peoples and the loss of their cultures. Native heritage revitalization and recognition of tribal sovereignty are important to our institution.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact UW Campus Police at 608-264-2677.
