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VOLUME 126, ISSUE 2 ESPAÑOL
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A swastika painted over graffiti in the Church of Fine Arts Building on Friday, Oct. 13. A swastika was discovered in Wolf Pack Tower on Saturday, Aug. 24, which will be the third swastika vandalism incident in a residence hall.
Swastika discovered in Wolf Pack Tower By Kennady Pine Wolf Pack Tower was subject to an act of vandalism in which a swastika was found painted in the stairwell by the 17th floor of the tower, within a week of the tower’s opening. According to Toby Toland, resident director for University of Nevada, Reno’s Residential Life, a swastika was found in Wolf Pack Tower, on Saturday, Aug. 24, within a week of the tower’s opening. In response to the vandalism, Wolf Pack Tower called for a mandatory meeting on Sunday, Aug. 25 to address the incident. Residents and staff were in attendance. “While University Police Services are not 100 percent sure that the swastika was not already in the stairwell before our transition of the building into student housing, University Residential Life and Housing is enacting all protocols because of the University’s
commitment to inclusion and diversity,” said Nicole Shearer, Communications Officer of the university. There is no video footage available in the stairwell area where the swastika was found, according to University Police Services “The swastika represents Nazis and other current hate groups who encourage discrimination and violence against many underrepresented populations and has no place in our campus community,” said Toby Toland, resident director for Residential Life in an email. “This and other acts of hate and discrimination not only create an environment of hostility, but are a violation of university policy.” Once evidence and photographs were collected, the vandalism was repaired by facilities staff. This is not the first incident of swastika vandalism that has occurred around the university. Acts of anti-semitism on campus have happened since 2011.
On Oct. 13, 2017, the same day of a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh that left 11 dead and six others injured, an unknown student carved a swastika into a wall with a pencil in Peavine Hall. A swastika was also found drawn on Juniper Hall earlier this year on March 8. Additionally, an unknown student tagged the Church Fine Art’s graffiti stairwell—a place where students decorate walls with murals—with swastikas and a message that said “is this political enough?” in October 2017. In response, the College of Liberal Arts invited artists in the community to paint over the swastikas. “It’s crazy that this incident happened right after we moved in,” Wolf Pack Tower resident Maximus Moore said. “I have heard of other things like this happening in previous years at UNR, but it’s different when it happens in your home. People may think that drawing a swastika is funny but it’s not a joke at all and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There is so much hate
associated with that symbol towards Jewish people. I feel like the university should take more action towards preventing this and making sure all students feel safe and welcome.” Going forward, the staff within the Department of Residential Life, in conjunction with various partners, will provide educational opportunities around the areas of diversity, social justice and inclusion for students. “One of our best ways to combat incidents of hate and bigotry is through education. We encourage students to attend, and offer suggestions for additional events that they think would be beneficial. Additionally, we will continue to make every effort to monitor and confront statements and acts of discrimination,” said Toland. “We need your help both as individuals and as a community,” Toland said in an email sent
See SWASTIKA page A2
The Regional Transportation Commission launched a new, free, temporary route on Sunday, Aug. 25, which will connect the University of Nevada, Reno to Midtown and downtown Reno. The free temporary route will be in place until Sunday, Sept. 8. After the free ride period, the route will be consistent with RTC bus services. The route will remain until early 2021. “We think it will be a great, free transportation option for students who want to go to downtown or Midtown, or even grocery shopping,” said RTC Public Information Officer Lauren Ball in an email
to the Nevada Sagebrush. “With limited parking in and around the UNR campus, this is a great car-free option to get where you need to go. It will also help people get to Midtown during construction.” UNR-Midtown Direct replaced RTC Sierra Spirit, which runs from Plumb Lane to 17th St. and mainly runs through Virginia St., Sierra St., Holcomb Ave. and Center St. RTC plans to extend the Rapid Virginia Line Service from Meadowood Mall through midtown to the university. “It’s important for the RTC to review our ridership data and offer convenient routes
See RTC page A2
See A&E page A4
College should be more affordable See OPINION page A6
RTC launches route to connect UNR to downtown, midtown By Taylor Johnson
Normani shines in “Motivation”
Jayme Sileo/ Nevada Sagebrush
Construction on southern end of campus as it stands on Monday, Sept. 2. Construction continues to take place at the engineering building, chemistry building and Gateway District.
Construction to continue across campus By Andrew Mendez See BUILDING page A2
Nevada rallies in comeback See SPORTS page A7