LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A California woman was arrested after vandalizing the "UNLV Strong" sign that was placed on campus after a gunman killed three faculty members last December.
University president Keith Whitfield shared the news in an email on Friday, writing that the woman had written "Free Palestine" across the sign.
"Obviously, Palestine is going through things as well. But obviously, the UNLV strong started from the UNLV shooting that happened, and people lost their lives to that, so like I get it what they're going through but they could have handled that differently to really get their statement across," said Antoine Powns, UNLV student.
"I think a lot of these people don't know anything about what's happening in Israel. As someone who is Jewish, and who has been deeply connected to Israel most of my life, I understand that it is a complex and nuanced situation," said Miriam Borvick.
This comes just days after dozens of students demonstrated on the school's campus and as students protesting the conflict in Gaza have been arrested at universities across the country.
Whitfield acknowledged "this can be a highly emotional issue for some," but wrote that "the disruption of learning, protest encampments, occupation of buildings, and destruction of property that we have seen at other campuses goes against UNLV's values and policies and we do not consider it free speech."
The woman arrested Thursday night was charged with misdemeanor vandalism and trespassed from UNLV's campuses for two years, Whitfield stated.
"It's just such an important matter that no one is taking the time or giving the importance to the issue. There's a lot of innocent people in the matter, which is what everyone is kind of making such an imperative statement about... And I think that was her whole message," said Alejandra Anaya, UNLV student.
Students Channel 13 spoke with believe the message could have been shared a different way.
"Could there have been a different way to handle it, absolutely, but I just think it's the severity of the issue," said Anaya.
"I feel like they got their message across, but like I said, there's always a way to handle that," said Powns.
In light of what happened, Whitfield noted the sign was removed but is expected to be placed back on campus in time for commencement.
