McMaster Security and Hamilton Police are investigating after a faculty member's office door was defaced with disturbing and offensive messages.

The incident happened in Togo Salmon Hall and was discovered on Tuesday. The door was spray painted and hateful anti-Islamic messages were posted on the door. Security took evidence at the scene and turned it over to police.

“It's appalling,” said President Peter George. “This kind of act is not something that happens very often on campus, and we take it very seriously. We work hard to be an inclusive community. To have someone target a faculty member in such a crude and cowardly way is disturbing. This type of action is unacceptable. Islamophobia and other types of hatred will not be tolerated. We encourage anyone who has any information that might help the investigation to contact McMaster Security or Hamilton Police.”

George says that while this is a public act of hate, it is important to keep in mind that there are individuals involved with a right to privacy and that the University respects those rights.

“The safety of everyone on campus is a priority and we will do all we can to make sure faculty, staff and students are secure,” he said.