An NYU student was arrested and charged with hate crimes Tuesday in connection with raising a swastika flag over a campus building dedicated to a Jewish donor last month, authorities said.
Connecticut resident Alexander Stepnowsky, 23, was charged with burglary and criminal trespass as a hate crime and first-degree aggravated harassment, police said Wednesday.
The pupil allegedly hoisted the flag, which included two Nazi symbols, a Star of David, and an NYU logo over the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development during graduation festivities on May 13, school and police officials said.
The Fairfield resident allegedly admitted to the conduct, claiming he was upset with how NYU handled political issues around Israel, according to law enforcement sources.
The Steinhardt building is named after Michael and Judy Steinhardt, who have donated millions of dollars to the school over the years.
