James Goodman

@goodman_dandc

State University of New York student leaders have denounced the show of hatred at the SUNY Geneseo campus.

"We condemn the recent abhorrent display of hate, racial bigotry and anti-Semitism at SUNY Geneseo in the strongest terms, and will continue our efforts to make all campuses welcoming and inclusive places to live and learn," said the statement issued by SUNY Assembly President Marc J. Cohen and SUNY Geneseo Student Government President Michael Baranowski.

The statement was issued after more than 350 student leaders from SUNY campuses met over the weekend for the Student Assembly's annual fall conference in Albany.

And the statement said: "We encourage anyone who needs it to avail themselves of counseling services provided on campus, and we ask each and every student to move forward united and resolved to fight against prejudice and bigotry of any kind."

The SUNY Student Assembly is the statewide student government organization made up of representatives elected from SUNY's 64 campuses.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on Saturday, ordered an investigation into the alleged hate crime that occurred at SUNY Geneseo.

Friday morning, a resident assistant in Nassau Hall on the SUNY Geneseo campus discovered graffiti of a swastika and the word "Trump" defacing a common area of that dorm.

University Police were notified and immediately launched an investigation and had the graffiti removed.

Cuomo has called for a multi-agency investigation involving New York State Police, SUNY police and the State Division of Human Rights.

"This marks the second investigation launched into alleged hate crimes in New York in the past few hours," said Cuomo.

The governor's statement went on to say: "To those who think they can intimidate our fellow New Yorkers through racism or anti-Semitism, I have one message: Don't count on it."

SUNY Geneseo President Denise A. Battles sent an email to students, faculty and staff on Saturday saying: "I strongly condemn such a thoughtless act, which runs completely counter to the values and welcoming environment of our inclusive community."

Anyone who has information about who might have committed this act should call University Police at (585) 245-5651.

JGOODMAN@Gannett.com