Identity of Speakers
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Alexander Stepnowsky
Student
OtherNYU Student
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
University investigation issuing in sanctions
Student sanctioned
Campus police
Other Law Enforcement
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
On May 13, 2026, Alexander Stepnowsky, a 23 year old New York University student from Fairfield, Connecticut, allegedly entered NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development building and raised a flag displaying two swastikas, a Star of David, and the NYU logo above the building during graduation week. The flag was visible from Washington Square Park and surrounding areas during NYU’s Grad Alley celebration. NYU Campus Safety officers removed the flag after it was discovered, and the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force opened an investigation. NYU spokesperson Wiley Norvell stated that the university was “shocked and deeply troubled” by the incident and that NYU was cooperating with law enforcement to identify the person responsible.
The NYPD investigation alleged that Stepnowsky used his NYU identification credentials to gain access to the building and entered an area that was not open to the public before raising the flag. Authorities later identified him through surveillance footage and other evidence. On June 3, 2026, the NYPD announced Stepnowsky’s arrest and charged him with burglary as a hate crime in addition to criminal trespass as a hate crime and aggravated harassment. Prosecutors alleged that the burglary charge qualified as a hate crime because the alleged conduct involved the display of antisemitic symbols, including swastikas and a Star of David, in a manner directed at the university community.
The location of the incident drew additional attention because the building was named for Michael and Judy Steinhardt, Jewish philanthropists who supported NYU and Jewish organizations. On May 14 and May 15, 2026, members of the Steinhardt family responded to the flag display, condemning the incident and calling for accountability. NYU stated that the display was inconsistent with university policies and values and continued cooperating with the NYPD investigation.
Following his arrest on June 3, 2026, Stepnowsky appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. He was released pending further proceedings. NYU announced that Stepnowsky would also face university disciplinary proceedings. The university stated that the incident “violated our sense of community and solidarity” and that the symbols displayed were “antisemitic and hateful.” The criminal case and university disciplinary process remained pending.
