Muslim prayer room at NYU defaced, prompting hate crime investigation

New York University is investigating the vandalism of a Muslim prayer room inside Bobst Library, as reported by The New York Times. A student discovered the damage on Thursday afternoon. Graffiti—including a drawing of male genitalia and the letters “AEPI”—was found on the wall. Prayer mats were soaked with urine.

Fountain Walker, NYU’s Vice President for Global Campus Safety, condemned the incident.

“This desecration is vile and repugnant,” he said, according to Middle East Monitor.

He added that it contradicts the university’s values and commitment to inclusion.

Community reacts with outrage

The Islamic Center at NYU stated the attack left students feeling anxious and unsafe. “This incident is not isolated,” the Center said in a statement. “It reflects broader patterns of discrimination.”

The vandalism came just days after the end of Ramadan. Dr. Faiyaz Jaffer, NYU’s Muslim chaplain, said a student rushed to his office in shock. “We hear about things like this all the time,” he told The New York Times. “But they often go unreported.”

Student Safiatu Diagana shared her frustration.

“We deserve to feel safe on campus,” she said, per The New York Times. “This is hurtful and frightening.”

Officials call for accountability

In response, NYU contacted the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force. The university pledged to discipline any responsible individuals using the strongest possible sanctions.

Jonathan Pierce, spokesperson for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national office, said the fraternity condemns the act. The group was suspended from NYU in 2015. It claims no current members were involved but pledged full cooperation.

Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY, called the act a “direct assault on the Muslim community.” As Anadolu Agency reported, she urged law enforcement to pursue it as a hate crime.

Incident reflects broader tensions

This case highlights rising Islamophobia and antisemitism on U.S. campuses. According to The New York Times, tensions have escalated since the Gaza war began in 2023. Policies have shifted. Several university presidents have stepped down.

NYU says it will restore the prayer room quickly. Moreover, the university promised increased support and security for Muslim students. The Islamic Center affirmed it will continue working with administrators to address the harm.

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