Ithaca College

Three Ithaca College students and one non-student have been identified for their role in taking the rainbow flag from the "free speech" flagpole on the academic quad. The flag, which symbolizes gay pride, was reported missing in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 9. The students have been referred to the campus judicial system for alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code; the non-student will be issued a criminal trespass waiver prohibiting him from being on the campus.

"Following an intensive investigation by our officers, with great assistance from members of the campus community, we were able to identify four individuals who we believe were involved in the theft of the flag," says Robert Holt, director of the Office of Public Safety. "We also believe there may be others who took part in this act, so we are asking for the continued cooperation of the campus community in providing information about this case."

Because the students have been referred for campus judicial action, federal law prohibits Ithaca College from releasing their names and the outcomes of their cases to the public.

Holt notes that the investigation is continuing into the flag theft as well as the racial graffiti that appeared at several locations in and around the East Tower and Towers Concourse during the same weekend as the theft. It is not believed that those who took the flag were also responsible for the graffiti. Holt asks anyone who might have information about these incidents to call the public safety hot line at 274-1060 and leave a message, or call the regular Office of Public Safety number at 274-3333.