TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida says it has been notified of alleged anti-Semitic and racist behavior involving students, and says the actions won't be tolerated.

In letter released Tuesday night, USF said the allegations of student behavior included:

  • The placement of a swastika symbol on a member of a fraternity
  • A post on social media anonymously accusing a member of a sorority of racist behavior
  • An anti-Semitic post on social media that minimized the Holocaust
  • Retaliatory behavior from the fraternity and the sorority involved

"Actions such as these are reprehensible and deserve our condemnation," USF said in its letter.

"Due to the anonymous nature of the social media site, and as more information continues to come to light, some individuals have been wrongly accused," the letter continued, but the school said it will continue to investigate.

The school said there are a number of resources available to members of the USF community who feel impacted by these alleged incidents, including the USF Counseling Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The letter in its entirety is posted below:

Dear USF Community,

In recent days the university was notified of several concerning allegations involving students in our community. These incidents include:

  • The placement of a swastika symbol on a member of a fraternity.
  • A post on social media anonymously accusing a member of a sorority of racist behavior.
  • An anti-Semitic post on social media that minimized the tragedy of the Holocaust that was purported to have been posted by a member of a fraternity. 
  • Retaliatory behavior from the fraternity and the sorority involved.

Actions such as these are reprehensible and deserve our condemnation.

Student Conduct and Ethical Development (SCED) is investigating and will act in accordance with the due process standards outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.  We will address any behaviors that do not reflect USF’s values. 

Due to the anonymous nature of the social media site, and as more information continues to come to light, some individuals have been wrongly accused. I implore the community to allow the student conduct process to progress before making judgements on individuals or organizations.  Acts of retaliation will not be tolerated.  Individuals with additional firsthand knowledge of the incidents are encouraged to submit reports to SCED here.

Both organizations with members alleged to have been involved in these incidents have released statements condemning these behaviors and they are cooperating with the university in investigating and addressing the individuals involved. These statements can be found here and here.

The Center for Student Involvement and the Office of Multicultural Affairs are working with the leaders of the organizations to reflect on their organizational values and review the university’s Principles of Community, which state “We affirm the value of diversity, individual dignity, equity, and our common humanity and reject the demeaning acts of bullying, violence, prejudice, and discrimination as they undermine the community we aspire to be.” The university will also use this as an opportunity to strengthen our educational efforts around creating inclusive environments and confronting actions that contradict this purpose. 

There are a number of resources available to members of the USF community who feel impacted by these alleged incidents, including the USF Counseling Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. University leaders have been in contact with the Hillel and Chabad organizations and both are also ready to assist students in need. 

USF embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Anti-Semitism, racism, hate, and prejudice have no place here.  We remain strong and united in our commitment to the Principles of Community in our pursuit of excellence.

Respectfully,

Dean (Danielle) McDonald