Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Malkerson-Cleary Campaign Posters Vandalized

The American flag comprised of Malkerson-Cleary campaign flyers on the Red Square wind tunnel wall was defaced early Saturday morning.

The words “U.S. WANTED FOR MURDER!” were spray-painted on the sign’s lower half, and another Malkerson-Cleary campaign banner hanging on the Intercultural Center was torn down.

“It’s not in the spirit of the campaign. … It’s quite disappointing,” Georgetown University Student Association presidential candidate Colton Malkerson (COL ’13) said.

Malkerson is unsure whether the target of the vandalism was his campaign or the symbolism of the American flag.

“[The flag] wasn’t meant to be a political statement,” he said. “It was meant to be eye-catching and get people’s attention. The fact that it was attacked in [this] manner makes no sense.”

The Department of Public Safety told Malkerson that he was required to take his vandalized flyers down or cover them. After placing the other campaign banner that had been torn over a portion of the vandalized flag, Malkerson filmed a video from in front of the wall and published it to his campaign’s YouTube channel.

Malkerson was told by the GUSA Election Commission that any repairs to the flag will not violate campaign laws limiting the number of flyers a candidate can post. Later Saturday morning, campaign members repaired the flag with sheets of plain colored paper. However, DPS removed the bannerSatruday night because some of the paper covering the vandalism came off, allowing the spray paint to show through again.

In the wake of the vandalism, Malkerson and his running mate, Maggie Cleary (COL ’14), have been approached by other tickets in sympathy.

“A few of the campaigns have reached out to us just to show support, which is appreciated,” he said.

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