UB community members condemn white supremacist stickers on campus

Antisemitic and transphobic messages have also been seen

SOL HAUSER STAFF WRITER

Antisemetic, anti-trans and white supremacist propaganda have appeared at multiple locations around UB’s North Campus in recent weeks.

Stickers, posters and drawings on campus signs and lamp posts displayed messages such as “white unity” and “the way to victory: white solidarity.” The stickers promote the National Justice Party, which the Anti-Defamation League describes as “a virulently antisemitic white supremacist group.”

Rabbi Sara Rich of Hillel Buffalo — an on-campus Jewish organization — says she has seen several of these hateful antisemitic postings throughout campus. She says that while the stickers are likely posted by people outside the UB community, other recent incidents, such as swastikas drawn on chalkboards in the Student Union, are more likely to have been created by students.

“I am disappointed to see yet another instance of cruel and dangerous ideas being promoted on campus,” Rich said in an email to The Spectrum. “Hillel is here to support students who are upset about these incidents. We stand ready to work with the campus community to promote constructive dialogue that builds relationships and leads to tolerance and understanding.”

In a statement, UB spokesperson John Della Contrada denounced the stickers, as well as anti-trans posters that have ap- peared on campus.

“Unfortunately, the university periodically has to deal with this public display of hateful rhetoric and we in no uncertain terms denounce it — every time,” Della Contrada said. “Based on past experience, these postings are often the act of someone from outside the UB community. They were certainly not sanctioned by any recognized group at the university.”

These hateful messages aren’t the first to be seen on North Campus. UPD investigated a number of antisemitic and racist posters found on campus over the Hanukkah holiday in fall 2021.

In 2019, the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task force investigated racist, antisemitic and homophobic symbols and slurs found on a Knox Hall bathroom stall.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

As one of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time, the “Star Wars” saga has been a staple of pop culture for almost 50 years. Fans will debate their favorite films for hours, and critics relish the opportunity to dish their intergalactic takes to the world. In honor of May 4, here’s the “Star Wars” saga ranked, from best to worst:

“Episode IV: A New Hope” (1977)

The movie that started it all. Five decades later, this film remains one of the greatest and most influential of all time, in any genre. It introduced iconic characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca and featured one of the greatest soundtracks in film history. It’s hard to imagine a world without the original “Star Wars.”

“Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

Episode V — arguably one of the greatest sequels ever — ranks only behind “The Godfather Part II” on IMDB’s best sequels. Given the success of the original film, it’s especially impressive that “Empire” lived up to the hype and cemented “Star Wars” as a juggernaut movie series. And of course, no “Episode V” review would be complete without mentioning one of the most shocking and shockingly misquoted twists in film history — “No, I am your father.”

“Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (2005)

Although the prequel trilogy is hated by many “Star Wars” fans, “Episode III” aged particularly well. The epic lightsaber battles, Vader’s backstory and 21st-century technology make this film a necessary evolution of the franchise that kept it relevant nearly 30 years after the saga’s debut.

“Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)

“Episode VI” is a fantastic finale to the original trilogy that gives closure, redemption and revenge to fans and characters alike. It picks up from the rebellion’s low point in “Empire” and flips the script, with family and the good triumphing over evil. “Jedi” is a feel-good ending to a legendary run of films by director George Lucas.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)

“Rogue One” is easily the best of the Disney-made “Star Wars” films. This movie earns a top-five spot for the “Vader Rage” scene alone, but it also introduces new, lovable characters that show there is so much more to the “Star Wars” universe than a Skywalker bloodline that’s been milked dry by George Lucas and Mickey Mouse.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015)

The best film of the sequel trilogy but dragged down by the films that followed it.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Cool for bringing Luke Skywalker back, but this film strays so far from the originals that it takes viewers out of the action.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story”

Forgettable. Harrison Ford is the only Han Solo.

“Episode I: The Phantom Menace” (1999)

Ambitious reboot of the franchise but held back by child Anakin. Darth Maul stole the show in this one.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

“I don’t like sand.” Space politics and ghastly acting by Hayden Christensen drag this film down to one of the saga’s worst.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

By far the worst plot of the franchise.

Email: ryan.tantalo@ubspectrum.com

Tuition Hikes

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But UB will still see some additional funding from the state.

“We are receiving additional operating funds, which is preferred to tuition increases, and other funding, both of which will provide the revenue we need to achieve adding programs, resources and facilities for students and faculty,” Della Contrada said.

The SUNY Student Assembly (SUNY SA), a SUNY-wide student government organization, lobbied against the tuition increase.

“These costs should not fall on the shoulders of students,” Brennan Gorman, the Executive Director of Policy for SUNY SA and incoming MBA student, said. “They already pay enough to go to school. These additional costs to make sure that our SUNY system is operated should not be another burden.”

The SUNY SA instead proposed in- creasing operating funds by $250 million in place of the tuition increase.

According to the State budget briefing book, the average tuition and fees at New York State’s four-year public institutions was $8,556 in 2023, 22% lower than the national average for four-year public institutions. In-state UB undergraduates paid more than that — $10,782 — in tuition and fees during the 2021-22 academic year, according to the UB Factbook. State funding for SUNY institutions has stayed virtually flat for the past 10 years, according to the UB Budget Book.

Email: victoria.hill@ubspectrum.com

Email: kiana.hodge@ubspectrum.com