NYU student faces hate-crime charges after displaying swastika flag on campus

Alexander Stepnowsky, a 23-year-old NYU student, appeared in Manhattan court on hate-crime charges for raising a swastika-adorned banner during graduation events.

In a routine preliminary hearing in Manhattan, Alexander Stepnowsky, a 23-year-old student at New York University, faced multiple hate-crime accusations after he raised a banner featuring a swastika, a Star of David and NYU’s colors atop a campus building during graduation week. Prosecutors say the flag was meant to mimic the university’s official purple-and-white banner, and Stepnowsky told investigators he acted out of frustration with NYU’s handling of political issues surrounding Israel.

He entered pleas of not guilty to charges of burglary, criminal trespass as a hate crime and first-degree aggravated harassment, and was released on his own recognizance pending a later October appearance. NYU responded by labeling the incident "heinous" and announced an internal investigation that could lead to expulsion among other disciplinary measures. The case highlights heightened tensions on campuses over Middle-East politics and the university’s response to hate-motivated actions.