On the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, Lake Land College’s (LLC) administration became aware that there were printed anti-Semitic materials that had been placed in plastic bags containing rocks scattered across various parking lots on campus. LLC’s campus police department immediately started an investigation into where and from whom these materials may have come from. 

In an interview, LLC President Dr. Josh Bullock detailed the process used to determine if materials distributed on campus fall under freedom of speech or hate speech that cannot be allowed on campus. He stated, “As an educational institution, we really promote that individuals are able to express their first amendment rights on campus if it is done in the appropriate fashion. It is equally important that board policy is being followed when doing so.” In this case, board policy was not followed. 

It has come to light that similar incidents have occurred on the campuses of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Bullock said that there was coordination between schools, but he was unaware whether or not they found them to be related. Bullock also said that it was his understanding that the materials were not put into place by LLC students, but rather members of the public coming onto campus. 

Chief of Police Jeff Branson remarked that the department had completed their investigation and submitted it via email to the Coles County State’s Attorney, Jesse Danley, on the afternoon of Friday, February 25, 2022. Branson also indicated that they had interviewed potential suspects before submitting the report. As of Monday March 21, 2022, the Coles County State’s Attorney Office said they had not received a report about the incident.

Below is a statement released by LLC regarding the incident. 

“On February 22, 2022, the Lake Land College Police Department was made aware of anti-Semitic messages that were left across various parking lots at the College’s main campus in Mattoon. The Campus Police Department immediately began an investigation, including a review of security camera footage, and Physical Plant staff swiftly removed all messages that were contained inside clear plastic bags filled with small rocks.

  Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces and actively supports diversity, and will not tolerate hateful attacks on valued members of our diverse community. We believe the quality of education is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community, and this cowardly act strengthens our resolve and commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for our employees, students and college community.”