It is on the first floor door of a building used daily by hundreds of people. It reflects negatively on us as a community -not only in our own eyes, but in those of visitors as well. The amount of outrage over the graffiti reflects the number of people insulted by its hatred. Scratching words on the stairs is a destructive and cowardly way in which to express opinions and should not be tolerated. Whoever did it, their primary aim is hate.
Anonymity protects against accountability.
The author can spread stereotypes without having to consider the damage caused by the words or having to defend the opinions expressed. Synapse had not previously publicized the story because its student editors feared giving publicity and credibility to an abhorrent act. We now feel that there are benefits to exposing such craven behavior, which outweigh the damages. Since the perpetrator cannot be singled out, we must ask how we can prevent graffiti, or more generally how can we prevent mean, anonymous acts. We must proactively address the conditions that allow violence to exist.