University of Tennessee to Increase Security Following Graffiti Incidents

University of Tennessee to Increase Security Following Graffiti Incidents

The university released a statement Sunday saying that the Rock was painted "to communicate hate," and that the messages, "which are hurtful and threatening to many members of our community, do not represent our Volunteer values."

  • By Jessica Davis
  • November 16, 2018

University of Tennessee Police Chief Troy Lane announced Tuesday that UTPD would be increasing its presence around the Rock after it was painted with hateful graffiti for the second time in two weeks. The Rock, a 97.5-ton slab of dolomite stone, has been a fixture at the campus since the 1960s and is often painted with fun, colorful messages of school spirit.

The university released a statement Sunday saying that the Rock was painted "to communicate hate," and that the messages, "which are hurtful and threatening to many members of our community, do not represent our Volunteer values."

The school did not elaborate on the messages painted on the Rock, but photos showed that the most recent school-spirit painting had been defaced with swastikas and other hateful and antisemitic messages.

"I am concerned about any hateful speech directed toward individuals or particular groups," Lane said. "Many of you have reached out to us about our response over the weekend. We are committed to being more thoughtful in addressing these incidents moving forward."

Lane said there will be more security in front of the Rock to prevent further vandalism. UTPD has received security footage from the latest hateful painting, which was done Saturday night, and is working with local, state and federal law enforcement to follow up on the incident.

"The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff is my top priority," he said. "We encourage the campus community to continue to report these incidents."

This is the second time in less than two weeks that The Rock has been defaced with antisemitic messages. Previously, a painting done during a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting had been vandalized.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • How a Rural School District Enhanced Safety, Reduced Vaping, and Improved Efficiency by Modernizing Security

    As educational leaders, our primary mission is creating safe, productive learning environments where our students can thrive. Today, that unfortunately means addressing ever-evolving challenges that range from security threats to the growing epidemic of student vaping, all while managing tight budgets and (for many of us) geographically dispersed facilities. Read Now

  • Turning Surveillance Into Strategy: AI’s Role in Driving Proactive Security

    Video surveillance has long been part of the campus safety toolkit, indispensable for investigating security incidents after they occur and a valuable tool for proactive deterrent. Read Now

  • A.C. Camargo Cancer Center Enhances Security, Patient Care with Help from Advanced Video Surveillance

    A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, a leading oncology treatment center in São Paulo, Brazil recognized for its history of innovation, today announced that its partnership with Axis Communications has produced savings of more than $2 million over its first two years, all of which will be reinvested in patient care. A.C. Camargo has deployed more than 2,000 state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras throughout the Center’s corridors, complex care units, and parking lots, embracing a more holistic approach to security that emphasizes patient and employee safety along with improved quality of service. Read Now

  • 2025 Secure Campus Award Winners Announced

    Campus Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 Secure Campus Award winners. Twenty companies are being recognized this year for products that help keep education and business campuses safe. Read Now

Most   Popular