Students at University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) discovered a fresh wave of violent, politically charged stickers strewn across campus. The messages referenced Hamas leadership, called for death to Israel, and depicted graphic violence. The campus police opened an investigation and the university condemned the acts.
Campus-wide sticker placements included slogans like “Sinwar Lives,” “Death to Israel,” “Zionism = Nazi,” and “The only good fascist is a dead one.” One sticker depicted a masked figure being shot in the head. Another showed a cartoon of a figure punching a pig, widely interpreted as a derogatory depiction of law enforcement. Some images closely resembled earlier ones that targeted federal immigration agents — including a depiction of an ICE agent being shot.
University officials were quick to respond. John Lucas, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, said the school “condemns violence of all kinds, including political violence.” He added that any stickers discovered on campus can be reported to the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) for investigation and removal. A police investigation remains ongoing. Students needing support are directed to the campus Office of Student Assistance and Support.
Leaders of campus conservative groups said the sticker wave reflects a deeper problem at UW–Madison. UW–Madison College Republicans chairman and The Madison Federalist editor-in-chief Ben Rothove warned that repeated displays of violent and anti-conservative imagery weaken intellectual diversity and foster hostility toward non-progressive views. He pointed to earlier incidents — including chalk messages celebrating the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk — as evidence the atmosphere on campus is becoming intolerant of dissenting views.
Rothove specifically condemned antisemitic content in recent displays that celebrated Hamas and called for violence against Israel. He called on UW–Madison to treat such expressions with seriousness and protect conservative and Jewish students alike.
This latest sticker outbreak underscores persistent concerns about hostility toward certain viewpoints at major campuses. As the UWPD investigation continues, conservative voices are pressuring the university to ensure both the physical safety and ideological freedom of all students.
