A judge dismissed charges against a University of North Dakota student accused of drawing anti-Semitic graffiti.
The Grand Forks Herald reported that the State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion to dismiss the charges, saying there was not enough evidence to bring Spencer Garness to trial.
Garness was accused of using ice cream to write an anti-Semitic slur on the dorm elevator.
The incident was one of a series of anti-Semitic acts that freshman Scott Lebovitz says contributed to his decision to leave his dormitory in April. In February, a swastika was found on a wall near his room. Lebovitz says he was the target of anti-Semitic taunts from fellow students for months.
Garness and other students said Lebovitz misjudged the actions, which they said was teasing among friends. At least five anti-Semitic incidents were reported at the university during the spring semester. Jewish students have accused the university of dragging its feet in response and refusing to characterize the incidents as “hate crimes.”
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