Education

‘Reprehensible’: Washington University Fires Back After Student Desecrates 9/11 Memorial

(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Jesse Stiller Contributor
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A Missouri university has publicly condemned a student after the individual allegedly vandalized a memorial commemorating the September 11 attacks and paying homage to those who lost their lives.

Washington University, located in St. Louis, issued a statement regarding the vandalism incident against the memorial set up by a College Republicans chapter, Fox2 reported Monday.

“We were disappointed to learn about the disruption to the 9/11 display on Mudd Field. We condemn the interference with the expression of support by the College Republicans for the victims of the national tragedy that took place 20 years ago today,” the statement read in part, according to Fox2.

The university added that the actions did not represent the university or any other group and that they “value freedom of expression in all forms,” adding that they would ensure students use “appropriate channels” to express themselves, Fox2 reported. (RELATED: Baylor University Labels 9/11 Flag Tribute With Trigger Warning)

Video from the alleged vandalism was taken and then uploaded to social media, according to Fox2. The student, now identified as Fadel Alkinali, who serves as Chairman of the Student Senate Finance Committee for the school government, can be seen picking up bags filled with the flags before being confronted and then walking off.

Alkinali told the student newspaper on the campus that he was “critiquing” islamophobia and military interventions that stemmed from the 9/11 attacks, according to Fox2.

“Any memorial of 9-11 that does not contend with these facts. Is not only incomplete, but it also amplifies pro-imperialist sentiment and actively disrespects those who have died because of the American invasion,” Alkinali told the newspaper, according to Fox2

The student has reportedly not faced and disciplinary charges for his actions, according to Fox2.