Authorities investigate anti-Semitic graffiti on Jewish students’ residence at Wheaton College

By Matt Rocheleau, Globe Correspondent

Authorities are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti found this morning on a residence for Jewish students at Wheaton College in Norton, according to a campus-wide e-mail from school President Ronald A. Crutcher.

“Crude and hateful graffiti” was found on the back door of the Jewish Life House at 17 Howard St., Crutcher wrote. Students at the house have reported being targeted before, including derogatory remarks shouted from the street as recently as Friday evening.

“I want to be clear: this will not be tolerated,” he said. “Wheaton is committed to appreciating, understanding and celebrating diversity. Every individual--student, faculty and staff member--has the right to feel welcomed and safe on our campus and in our community.”

Campus police and Norton police are investigating, Wheaton College spokesman Michael Graca said.

The college president said a campus meeting will be held to discuss the incident further. Graca said the meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wheaton Public Safety Department at 508-286-8213, Norton police at 508-285-3300 or the school’s Dean of Students Office at 508-286-8218.