Recent vandalism at Highline’s satellite campus in Federal Way, the Hub, provided a missed opportunity for Highline’s Executive Cabinet to take stronger stances against bias and antisemitism on campus. Multiple instances of defacement have not been publicly condemned thus far, with only a single line addressing the existence of bias in a campus email. 

Recent vandalism of an Israeli flag highlights the search for a permanent Public Safety Officer for the Hub, and calls for stronger stances against discrimination by Highline College. The Bias Incident Report Team (BIRT) sent out a campus wide email in response, calling for those who witnessed any acts of violence or harm on campus to report any incidents, but did not reveal details on the vandalism that had taken place.  

While the vandalism was not made public, BIRT sent out an email saying, “Symbols of identity and belonging – whether national, cultural, or personal – deserve to be honored, not harmed. We understand that bias incidents may cause pain, concern, or fear, and we stand with those affected.” 

Cultural symbols including gender-neutral bathroom signs, pride flags, and, most recently, an Israeli flag, have been the targets of attacks for the past two years at the Hub. Vandalism of cultural symbols are considered hate crimes, rooted in bias against specific identity groups. 

The defacement of the Israeli flag could have been an opportunity to denounce anti-Semitism on campus, which runs the risk of offending palestinian and pro-Palestine members of the community.

While not sharing details concerning safety incidents on campus is the Joint Information Center’s (JIC) common practice, not drawing attention to hate crimes on campus can be interpreted as watering down the incident, and sweeping it aside. 

The Hub declined to make any further comment about the matter. 

In a statement to the ThunderWord, the JIC stated, “From the perspective of all college groups involved (BIRT, JIC, Public Safety, and The Hub staff), this act is seen as disrespectful and doesn’t uphold the college’s values of mutual respect. The message that went out to the college community was intended to remind campus of our expectations, as well as provide information on how to report incidents and other support resources available to the community.”

“The Public Safety office is working with the Hub staff to prevent future occurrences,” the statement continued. “We are considering this vandalism a hate crime and a report will be finished shortly. Additionally, even prior to this incident, the Hub staff and Public Safety office have been collaborating on hiring a permanent officer to staff the Hub and help ensure a peaceful learning environment.”  

The Hub is a small community, with a very friendly, queer, and disabled space, welcoming to all identities. It also provides more space for Highline’s growing enrollment, and opportunities for education south in Federal Way. While political and cultural violence increases, protecting these spaces becomes paramount. 

**Mavrie has been serving as editor for the ThunderWord since 2024. She is also the founding president of Highline’s Non-fiction Writers Circle.**