A group of Rochester students were sued over “Wanted” posters

Four University of Rochester students have been charged in connection with an incident in which they allegedly put up “Wanted” posters on campus featuring images of faculty members they say support Israel’s war in Gaza. The Democrat and Chronicle reported.

The charge – second-degree criminal mischief, which is a misdemeanor – relates to damage to the facility’s walls caused by the adhesive used to attach the posters, rather than the contents of the posters themselves. The university’s Hillel chapter previously criticized the posters for apparently targeting Jewish professors — although pro-Palestinian student groups claim not all faculty depicted were Jewish — and for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

In addition to the criminal case, which can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to seven years in prison, the students will undergo the university’s conduct process.

Many students and teachers showed up at the arraignment to support the accused students. A student told the Democrat and Chronicle he felt the university overreacted to the situation: “I think the students understand how insane this all is, how unprecedented the university’s response has been and how they have blatantly lied in their emails,” he said.