Transgender Student Raises Concerns Over Northwestern's Handling of Hate Symbol on Campus

A transgender Ph.D. student questions the university's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion after a symbol used by extremist groups is found on campus.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A transgender Ph.D. student at Northwestern University, Smith Yarberry, is raising concerns about the school's support for the LGBTQ+ community after a symbol used by hate groups was found painted on a prominent campus landmark. The symbol, the Cross of Burgundy, has been appropriated by far-right and white supremacist groups, and Yarberry believes its appearance on the university's 'The Rock' was intentional. While the university claims it does not remove or censor campus graffiti, Yarberry points to past instances where the school has painted over messages, raising questions about its policies and commitment to protecting marginalized students.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ students at Northwestern about the university's stance on inclusivity and support for the queer community, especially in light of the school's recent deal with the Trump administration to restore $790 million in frozen funding. The appearance of hate symbols on campus also raises broader questions about the rise of extremist messaging and the university's response to it.

The details

On January 6th, as students were returning from winter break, Yarberry noticed that the prominent 'The Rock' on Northwestern's campus had been defaced with a large, bright red X painted over a previous memorial to a transgender student. After investigating, Yarberry and his peers identified the symbol as the Cross of Burgundy, a flag that has been appropriated by far-right and white supremacist groups. The university initially said it does not remove or censor campus graffiti, but Yarberry pointed to past instances where the school had painted over other messages, raising questions about its policies. Less than a month later, students also reported seeing Nazi symbols on campus, the third such incident in the past year.

  • On January 6th, the Cross of Burgundy symbol was found painted on 'The Rock' on Northwestern's campus.
  • In late November 2025, Northwestern University signed a deal with the Trump administration to restore $790 million in frozen funding.
  • In the past 12 months, students have reported seeing Nazi symbols on the Northwestern campus on three separate occasions.

The players

Smith Yarberry

A transgender Ph.D. student at Northwestern University who raised concerns about the university's handling of the hate symbol found on campus.

Tabitha Wiggins

The assistant vice president of campus inclusion and community at Northwestern University.

Mona Dugo

The assistant vice president for wellness & dean of students at Northwestern University.

Christian Picciolini

A former skinhead leader who now works to help others exit extremist groups.

David Alpher

A Syracuse University professor who has studied hate groups for two decades.

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What they’re saying

“That's part of the magic of these symbols, is bringing them out of these obscure places and being able to use them for people who can identify them and know what's going on.”

— Smith Yarberry, Transgender Ph.D. student (evanstonroundtable.com)

“The defacement was an act of intimidation. There is really no other legitimate use.”

— Christian Picciolini, Former skinhead leader (evanstonroundtable.com)

“It's a hate symbol. The only other reason to put that symbol on something would be to celebrate Spanish imperial heritage of the 16th century and that's a bit hard to swallow.”

— David Alpher, Syracuse University professor (evanstonroundtable.com)

What’s next

The university has launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the recent Nazi symbols found on campus, and is working with local law enforcement on potential criminal charges.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex challenges universities face in balancing free expression and campus safety, especially when it comes to the appearance of hate symbols. It also raises questions about Northwestern's commitment to supporting its LGBTQ+ students and marginalized communities in the wake of its deal with the Trump administration.