Two U of A students facing charges in racist, homophobic vandalism on assistant dean’s door

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Two University of Arkansas students are facing criminal charges after allegedly carving a swastika and the word “gay” into an assistant dean’s office door.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Evan Wright, 21, of Bentonville, and Connor Winters, 21, of Bella Vista were booked Thursday around 6:30 p.m. Wright and Winters are charged with first-degree criminal mischief and criminal trespass.

According to records, both were released the following day after paying their $770 bond.

According to the University of Arkansas Police Department log, staff members reported the vandalism on June 7, 2024.

The report states a swastika had been carved into a sticker that read “Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts” on Romona West’s door. West serves the Arts and Science of U of A as assistant dean of inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives. The word “gay” was carved into the door along with a large X. The police report also stated stickers on the door regarding diversity and inclusion had been crumpled.

The office door of Donna Johnson, assistant dean of people operations, was vandalized as well. A marker had been used to cross through an “Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts” sticker. “Stereotypes R fun. Racism is for the win!” were written on a dry-erase whiteboard.

According to the University of Arkansas Police Department, an officer reviewed surveillance video, and in the video, two people entered the building on June 7 around 2:30 a.m. Wright and Winters were identified as entering Old Main and the officer observed that Wright and Winters seemed intoxicated. In the video, yellow or green wristbands could be seen. The police report stated those wristbands are commonly associated with Shots, Yeehawg, and Halo which are bars located on Dickson Street.

Wright was brought in for an interview at UAPD on June 11. He told the officers he is a student at the U of A and denied having any involvement with the vandalism. As the interview continued, Wright admitted he was intoxicated and did put an X on a sticker. He later told police, “We thought it was funny.”

According to the report, “When asked about the swastika, Mr. Wright paused then said ‘that one wasn’t me.'” When police asked if it was his friend, Wright stated, “Yes, I assume, I don’t remember for sure, but I know I didn’t do that.” However, later in the interview, Wright says he doesn’t remember who carved the swastika.

When officers asked Wright if he understood how those who worked in Old Main felt about the vandalism, Wright said, “I feel like it’s being blown out of proportion.” He said he feels bad others feel targeted and, “the Nazi sign was definitely too,” but ” I still feel like it’s blown out of proportion…”

On June 12, 2024, police interviewed Winters, who was confirmed to be a “new transfer junior” with the university. Winters told officers that Wright and him had “a couple of drinks,” and made their way to Dickson Street to have more drinks. Wright offered to show Winters around campus and once they made it to Old Main, they realized the door to the building was unlocked. Winters said they entered the building and “walked around.” Winters also said, “y’all saw what we did.”

According to the report, Winters denied carving anything but did admit to taking a sticker from a door and crumpling another one. In the report, Winters stated he was not in the “right mind” and would not have done it if he was sober.

Representatives for the U of A say the case has been forwarded to the City Prosecutor Brian Thomas’ office and has been referred to the University’s Office of Student Accountability.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Wright and Winters are scheduled to be in court on July 29.

According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), in the months leading to the October 7 conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Jewish community witnessed an increase in antisemitic activity. The report also states from 2022 to 2023 the average number of anti-Jewish tropes endorsed by Americans increased from 4.18 to 4.31. According to ADL, more than 42% of Americans either have friends or family who dislike Jews or find it socially acceptable for a close family member to support Hamas.

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