Portland State University investigates after student allegedly wore Nazi Halloween costume to party

According to a Reddit thread, the individual was wearing an armband with a swastika and the “ritterkreuz” symbol, an iron cross that Nazis conferred as military awards during World War II.

The school is already deep into an FBI investigation of Islamophobic fliers posted on campus and spikes in antisemitism which culminated in millions of dollars in damage being done to the school library during a Gaza camp occupation last year.

Portland State University spokesperson Katy Swordfisk told the outlet that the university acted quickly when it learned of the costume. “The case is being referred to the Office of Equity and Compliance’s Bias Team for follow up. A message was sent to residents in Ondine Hall on Monday offering support and sharing resources for any student who felt impacted by the incident.”

An email to students condemned the student’s actions as “harmful toward individuals of many different backgrounds,” but did not identify the individual.

The email stated, “Living in University Housing and Residence Life at PSU provides students the opportunity to interact with people from all backgrounds and experiences; it is one of the reasons we have such diverse, engaging, and unique communities for students. We strive for each resident to have the opportunity to learn and grow while experiencing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community. At the heart of this sentiment is a desire for each student to feel respected and cared for as they live in the community.”

It then addressed students who “saw or experienced this situation and felt like your home is no longer safe or respectful, we want you to know that we care about your experience and we do not tolerate hateful actions within our residential communities.”

Students found to be in violation of the university’s rules of conduct could face disciplinary actions, including expulsion.