University of Southern Maine officials are investigating a possible hate crime after graffiti was found in the student senate offices, officials said Thursday. A student who is known to at least one of the student senators wrote the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” or “God Wills It” on a desk and a wall, according to a Facebook post from student leaders. The phrase was used as a rallying cry for Christians during the Crusades in medieval times, and more recently has been adopted by the alt-right political movement as an anti-Muslim insult. USM spokesman Bob Stein said the incident is being investigated by campus security and a team from the dean of students is “undertaking a full investigation.” USM Director of Public Safety Kevin Conger said the campus police report will be sent to the Office of the Maine Attorney General for review, Stein said. In a Facebook post, USM student body Vice President Matt Raymond condemned the graffiti. “I just wanted to say that all this happened a day after five Muslim/(people of color) students asked for applications to Student Government to become Senators.

Sections:  u.s.   
Topics:  Maine   Cumberland County   Portland   

 

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