UD investigating reports of posters on campus from white nationalist group

UD Public Safety is investigating reports of posters from a white nationalist group appearing on campus.

An announcement emailed to University of Dayton students, faculty and staff Tuesday afternoon did not indicate whether any posters or flyers have been confiscated or brought to the police department by anyone on campus.

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But, "there is no indication anyone in our campus community is responsible for posting these signs," Rodney Chatman, executive director of public safety and chief of police, said in the email.

Chatman said his department's law enforcement partners have confirmed these flyers have been reported on a number of Ohio campuses.

"No physical demonstrations, vandalism or other criminal activities by the hate groups have been reported; so far, their activism has been limited to the distribution of racist and other discriminatory propaganda on college campuses and in various communities," the chief said in the email.

He is asking students, faculty and staff not to take down flyers that promote hate speech or hate-related groups if they see them. He is asking students, faculty and staff to contact public safety immediately so police can investigate.

"The University of Dayton denounces the hate-related messages from these group," Chatman said in the email. "They have no place in our community, and we ask for your support in resisting them."

Tuesday night, a sergeant patrolling campus refused comment.

POSTERS, FLYERS FOUND ON U.S. CAMPUSES

In August, national media reported that flyers and stickers promoting the ideologies of white nationalist hate groups were found throughout San Diego State University and at San Jose State University.

In June, insidehighered.com reported white supremacists were more active on campuses than ever before during the spring semester, according the new analysis from the Anti-Defamation League.

From January to May, at least 161 examples of white supremacy propaganda were recorded on 122 different campuses in 33 different states and Washington, D.C.

We will update this developing report as we learn more. Stay with whio.com for breaking news.

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