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AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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PAUL closes in Western Market
By Ella Mitchell, Staff Writer • April 22, 2024

University: Freshman drew swastikas

Freshman Sarah Marshak confessed to drawing more than three swastikas on her door but told The Hatchet she only drew the final three.

University officials said Marshak was dishonest in statements to the media and the University Police Department has a signed confession stating she drew more than three of the hate symbols.

“(It is) important to note that the victim has been dishonest with (The Hatchet) already,” UPD Chief Dolores Stafford said.

Marshak, who traveled to Florida earlier this week, drew at least five swastikas, according to a high-level University official. The official is being granted anonymity because he or she is not authorized to speak about the case.

Marshak, formerly a Hatchet reporter, could face harsher penalties for lying, Stafford said.

Stafford also confirmed a camera placed by UPD, not the FBI, caught Marshak drawing the swastika.

The University announced Monday that Marshak drew the swastikas on her own door. She said she only drew three in an attempt to highlight the University’s inaction in handling an initial swastika drawn on her door Oct. 23.

Marshak said Tara W. Pereira, the director of Student Judicial Services, informed her she would likely be expelled.

Robert Fishman, the director of Hillel, said during conversation Marshak always came across as rational.

“This is a definite cry for help on her part,” Fishman said in a phone interview Monday. “I can’t imagine why anyone would do anything like this. I feel very sad for her. At the same time I am upset that she had to resort to the actions she took.”

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