Four Penn State students are facing charges stemming from an incident where a 9-foot menorah was stolen from a rabbi's home in State College and left damaged in front of the Sigma Alpha Mu Jewish fraternity house.

Vincent Morisco, of Woodland Park, New Jersey, Henry Scott Dardaris, of Newtown, Brandon Michael Steidley, of State College, and Kyle A. McCarthy, of Avondale are accused of stealing the menorah and leaving it damaged outside of the fraternity house overnight Oct. 27. The victim, Rabbi Hershy Gourarie, co-director of Chabad of the Undergrads at Penn State, thanked State College police in a news release, applauding the department for their quick and decisive action.

"I hope that this is a time of introspection for the four suspects," Gourarie said. "At the right time, I would like to meet with them to educate and heal."

Gourarie said it will cost about $1,800 to replace the menorah. The four men are charged with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and criminal mischief. They are scheduled for preliminary hearings Dec. 20.

Gourarie said he, the fraternity and the student organization he directs will to raise awareness about Jewish history and traditions across campus though workshops and other events, including a lager public menorah lighting during an upcoming Hanukah festival. He noted that the organization has launched a "Light with Love Campaign" to fundraise for programs and other educational initiatives.

Penn State officials issued the following statement denouncing the theft as well as other "recent acts of hate on campus:"

The current tenor nationally and recurrent displays of discrimination, bias and sometimes violence that permeate news headlines have resulted in trying times not only for our country, but also for those of us who live, study and work on college campuses. Though Penn State strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all, we - like any institution of higher education - are not immune to the efforts of those who bring hate and prejudice to our community.

We are aware that hate -- whether it's close to home or far away -- affects everyone in our community in different ways. Like many of you, we are personally and deeply offended by the abhorrent displays of vitriol and prejudice. The statements and actions made by some individuals are hurtful, repugnant and certainly not in line with Penn State's values and our community's commitment to inclusion and diversity.

In the last few weeks alone, actions such as stealing and damaging a Jewish Menorah, reports of racial slurs, and activity by white supremacy groups have occurred on or near our campuses. A commercial establishment in State College earlier this semester promoted a "midget wrestling" event that naturally caused considerable offense to some, even if that was not the intent.

We condemn these actions and will hold students and others involved accountable where we can, including restitution for damage. We do not support nor do we condone racist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic, homophobic or other discriminatory messages or actions. Nor will we allow our University community to become a place where offensive words and behaviors take root. We will continue to condemn hate-filled speech and action by any individual or group that aims to incite fear or create divisiveness.

The University's longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion means that we strive to nurture a welcoming environment for our entire community. Penn State has long been a leader in promoting rich experiences and a welcoming and inclusive climate for students, faculty and staff from all walks of life. We will continue to focus on these meaningful efforts as we work to remove barriers to learning and discovery.