Vandalism and Alleged Urination in NYU Bobst Prayer Room Sparks Outrage
A prayer space in NYU’s Bobst Library, regularly used by Muslim students, was vandalized and reportedly urinated on, according to a statement posted by the Muslim Students Association at NYU (@nyumsa) on Instagram on Thursday morning.
The incident, described as a hate crime, occurred within a secured space that requires NYU access credentials. Photos shared to Instagram show a yellow chalk-like figure of male genitalia on a wall as well as the lettering of fraternity, “AEPI” (Alpha Epsilon Pi). There was also a wet stain on the prayer mats. The room appeared otherwise undisturbed.
“We are outraged and disgusted by this blatant attack on Muslim students in our space,” the post reads. “How can we feel safe in this university when our safety is almost always at risk?”
Alpha Epsilon Pi is “the world’s jewish college fraternity.” Given the rise in antisemitism as well as islamophobia since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, one Jewish student disclosed that “it’s extremely horrible and the fact is, whichever islamophobe did this wanted to cause more division between our communities.”
The Chief of AEPi’s PR, Jon Pierce issued the following statement: “The Alpha Chapter of AEPi is aware of the incident in the NYU Bobst prayer room. As an organization, we strongly condemn this vandalism and will fully cooperate with the administration's investigation. We are not aware that any of our members were involved in this disrespectful action. Hopefully, the investigation will find the perpetrator and, when they are found, we hope they are punished appropriately by the university.”
The prayer room, frequently utilized by Muslim students for daily prayers, is considered one of the few designated spiritual sanctuaries on campus. According to the statement, the room was vandalized just two hours before the post went live on Instagram.
“This is not just an ‘incident’—it is a hate crime and a direct threat to our safety,” the Instagram post continues. The NYU Muslim Students Association called attention to what they describe as a pattern of neglect and inaction from the university in the face of repeated instances of Islamophobia.
The NYU Islamic Center also released a statement, calling the discovery a “horrific” act of “vandalism and anti-Muslim graffiti.” The statement, shared Friday, emphasized the emotional toll of the incident during the holy month of Ramadan. NYU’s FSAA (Faculty and Staff Against Antisemitism) also released the following statement: “Hate has no place at NYU. Not against Muslims, not against Jews, not against anyone.” See their instagram for their full statement.
Students on campus expressed concern and called for increased accountability. Anyone with information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact NYU Public Safety.