UOW Security are investigating after the rainbow steps were vandalised this week, which the student union labeled “an attempt to intimidate and upset LBGTQIA+ students.” 

UOW confirmed this Friday staff removed graffiti messages from the steps and another, unspecified location on campus.

Co-Coordinator of UOW’s All Sorts Queer Collective, Isabella Phillips-Bohane, said she was “disappointed,” but “not entirely surprised,” to hear the about the incidents from Collective representatives. 

“It does feel like it’s a tactic that’s intended to intimidate and intended to develop a culture on campus that’s really intolerant towards us and having safety and dignity and respect,” she said.

“We’ve just seen Mardi Gras and World Pride season so they’re probably just sick of us being happy and proud.

“I’m just extremely disappointed that the first years have to see that.”

One person, who wished to remain anonymous, said they saw bible verses gratified on the steps on Wednesday morning and reported it to Safe and Respectful Communities.

“Genesis 2:12 was what was written like twice on the rainbow steps, and then other verses were scattered everywhere,” they said.

The Tertangala understands a window in the Building 19 Queer Space was also broken this week, though it remains unclear if that is related to the vandalism.

“UOW Security’s investigation into whether damage to a window in Building 19 was also an act of vandalism is ongoing. Security patrols of the area have been increased,” a UOW spokesperson said.

“The University condemns the actions of those responsible for vandalising the rainbow stairs and another location on campus with graffiti. The incidents have been reported to NSW Police and the graffiti has been removed.

“We stand with our gender, sex and sexuality diverse students and staff, and oppose any form of discrimination and harassment.”

Student union calls rally

The Wollongong Undergraduate Students’ Association called a rally outside the steps on 16 March “to show support for LGBTQIA+ students and staff on campus.”

“WUSA wholly condemns the perpetrators of this incident and stands with the queer community on campus, especially the All-Sorts Queer Collective,” student union President Ela Ekyol said.

“We will not stand for any attack on your right to be yourself and will continue to fight discriminatory and far-right rhetoric.”

Phillips-Bohane said she admired the response from UOW Security, but wants to see “tolerance training extended for staff.”

 “I do know a couple of people who experience who experience micro aggressions and very get misgendered during class and there are tutors that are sort of uncaring, I suppose, of that kind of thing,” she said. 

“I really do admire that security was very quick to get rid of that graffiti.

“I hope the uni continues – the administration at least – continues the tradition of making sure that we, as a coherent community, feel protected and supported.”

Rainbow crossing also targeted

Images obtained by The Tertangala from Akyol, which were taken Thursday evening, also show the rainbow crossing outside Pepe’s on the Beach graffitied with the titles of bible verses.

The verses were still there when this reporter visited the crossing at midday Friday.

Feature image credit: UOW (left), River McCrossen (right)

Affected by this story? There’s help available: 

• 24hr Student Wellbeing and Support Line: 1300 046139
• Employee Assistance Line: 1300 361 008
• QLife – National LGBTI Telephone Counselling and Information Line: 1800 184 527
• Transhub – https://www.transhub.org.au/