Incident:  Destruction of Property

Location:  Sondheim Hall

Date/Time:  August 19, 2022; 8:21 a.m.

Incident Description:
On August 19, 2022 at approximately 8:21 a.m., UMBC Police responded to Sondheim Hall for a report of destruction of property. The officer was advised by a Retriever Activity Center (RAC) staff member that an unknown person reported to them that there was graffiti, including a swastika, on the Sondheim Hall donor plaque. The plaque is located outside the building near the RAC entrance. The staff member called UMBC Police. Officers observed graffiti, including a swastika, written in black marker on the donor plaque. No further damage was found and the graffiti has been removed.

If you have any information about this incident, please call UMBC Police at 410-455-5555.

UMBC tracks, investigates, and reports hate-bias incidents on our campus. Hate-bias incidents are acts that could be interpreted as expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or individual because of their membership, perceived or actual, in that group. These acts may range from those considered to be offensive to acts that threaten or cause physical harm. Such incidents are inconsistent with UMBC values, including our community's respect for diversity and inclusion. We believe it is important to alert our campus community about these divisive and hurtful occurrences.

UMBC students, faculty, staff members, or visitors who choose to violate relevant policies and laws are solely responsible for their actions. University authorities will make every effort to sanction individuals who violate those policies and laws. 

Support and Safety:

Students seeking immediate support are encouraged to use togetherall, a free online peer-to-peer community for undergraduate and graduate students that offers a safe and anonymous place for 24/7mental health support. Additionally, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b) and Retriever Integrated Health are available to serve students Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.

Community members may also report instances of hate or bias through the Office of Equity and Inclusion's confidential reporting form.

If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact UMBC Police immediately by calling 410-455-5555. UMBC Police provides an escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like an escort please call 410-455-5555.

Bruce Perry '97
Chief of Police