Chicago, IL, March 9, 2006 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned the vandalism of several DePaul University buildings with anti-Semitic and racist graffiti yesterday, while praising DePaul officials and law enforcement for their handling of the incident.

The graffiti was discovered early yesterday morning inside the University Hall dormitory and on the exteriors of three university buildings. Chicago Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the anti-Semitic and racist graffiti at DePaul," said Lonnie Nasatir, Director of ADL's Greater Chicago Regional Office.  "Such hate has no place in our society, especially on our university campuses. At the same time, we appreciate the quick and vigorous response of law enforcement and DePaul officials. We applaud the leadership shown by DePaul's president, Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, in immediately issuing a strong, clear statement condemning the incident and in cutting short a trip to return to campus to address it."

ADL has recorded more than 20 anti-Semitic incidents in Greater Chicago this year, including anti-Semitic graffiti at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, the vandalism of Congregation Agudas Achim in Uptown and incidents at Hinsdale Central and Lisle High Schools.

"We are deeply distressed by this increase," said Nasatir. "While the incidents appear to be unconnected and not attributable to any one cause, we are concerned that anti-Semitic attitudes and the willingness to express them may be gaining traction in the Greater Chicago area, especially in our institutions of learning and understanding. We will continue to monitor this disturbing trend."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.