Fliers depicting violence against fascists and damage to President Donald Trump supporters’ property began appearing around campus early last week and were posted on the Overheard at UNC Facebook page on Tuesday.
The fliers show someone setting fire to a “Make America Great Again” hat on one side of the page. On the opposite side, they show someone with a swastika tattoo being beaten on the head with a bat that reads “Bash the Fash.”
Chancellor Carol Folt sent out a statement Thursday denouncing the fliers.
“We take these matters very seriously,” Folt’s message said.
“The flyer and its message are the antithesis of the values that are the foundation of our University ... Its intentions are to incite violence, and there is no place for that here or in our society.”
Winston Crisp, vice chancellor for student affairs, said the University decided to release the statement because the fliers incited people to violence.
“That’s not something we can ever abide by,” Crisp said.
UNC spokesperson Randy Young said since the fliers appeared, campus police have not seen a notable change in reports or complaints of threats against people based on their political affiliation. He said the Department of Public Safety is investigating the situation and encourages the campus community to share any information they may have.
First-year Kayla Dowdy said she found out about the posters when her grandma called asking about them. She said she thinks the fliers are protected by freedom of speech but were unnecessary.
