Swastikas found on Georgia university campuses spark concern among students and parents

Incidents prompt call for US state to introduce hate crimes law

Swastikas were recently drawn on message boards at the University of Georgia (AP)

Swastikas found on university campuses in Georgia have sparked fears among students and parents.

The symbols have been found in student halls at both the University of Georgia and Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, local reports suggest.

The incidents come as hate crimes have been on the rise on campuses across the US.

Brett Feldman, a 21-year-old University of Georgia senior, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “This shouldn’t be in your mind, concerns if you are going to be safe.”

Swastikas were drawn on message boards in Creswell and Russell halls at the University of Georgia.

Students at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville also reported that a swastika was drawn on the doors of their residence hall.

Administrators at both universities asked students to share any information with campus authorities that may help the investigation. Students are also being offered counselling services.

The presidents of both universities have written to students, but some are critical of the response.

Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee Atlanta, believes the University of Georgia president should have described the incidents as antisemitic.

Federal officials in October found that religious-based hate crime on college campuses has increased significantly nationwide over the past decade.

Georgia is one of a handful of states that does not have a hate crimes law. Some say the recent incidents show that one is needed.

Mr Feldman, who is president of the student group Georgia Israel Public Affairs Committee, said: “I feel like it’s a deterrent that would prevent a student from acting that way.”

Additional reporting by Associated Press