Bethel suspends student-led activities in wake of campus vandalism
Students were notified of the decision in an email from President Jon Gering.
On the night of Feb. 24, an unknown number of individuals vandalized several facilities and areas around the Bethel College campus.
These locations included — but were not limited to — the exteriors of Thresher Gym, Mantz Library, and Warkentin Court, along with several areas damaged to the interior and exterior of Haury Hall. The vandals used a combination of black and red spray paints and window chalk to deface various spaces with a variety of crude drawings or phrases.
When students noticed the following Sunday, reports came rolling in. At this time, a total of 20 drawings have been found. And while many were erased or removed, some are proving more difficult. For instance, one of the trees on campus was spray painted, making it difficult to remove the drawing outside of hoping it wears away quickly in the elements.
The campus community was addressed in an email sent out by President Jon Gering Wednesday evening.
In the email, Gering expressed his gratitude to the maintenance department for their quick response in attempting to perform damage control measures to the appearance of the campus over the weekend.
He further stated, “We also want to state the obvious: these acts of vandalism are rude, childish, and irresponsible. Perhaps less obvious — but more consequential — is that the acts of vandalism are a felony under Kansas legal statutes. Vandalism is a crime that will not be tolerated on this campus.”
An investigation has been opened to find the culprit(s) responsible for the defacing of Bethel’s facilities. Student Life is accepting tips and has promised amnesty and discretion for those who come forward with information. The North Newton Police Department has also become involved and has encouraged students who have any information to come forward.
Though Bethel is no stranger to “activities” happening during the overnight hours, it is important to stress that there is a massive difference between Bethel’s storied history of Bubbert’s pranks (which are harmless and non-damaging to campus) and this most recent development.
Student Life has also suspended all student club and organization activities and events until Spring Break. A review will be held to determine whether or not events will be allowed to continue after Spring Break based on the status of the investigation. Individuals with any relevant information to provide are urged to contact Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman at the Student Life offices.