Recent instances of offensive graffiti discovered in Sullivan and Good Counsel Halls have sparked a series of reactions from students, faculty and administrators.

During the first two weekends of school, resident advisers in the two buildings noticed multiple displays of derogatory words and images associated with race, ethnicity and sexuality.

Posters provided by Residence Life now cover the markings, many of which were scrawled using dry erase markers that may have been found on nearby hallway whiteboards, according to Sarah Beck, a senior and second floor resident adviser for Sullivan Hall.

Resident advisers in both residence halls hand delivered letters from Vice President for Student Life Rev. John Stack, O.S.A.that addressed the graffiti.

In the letter dated Sept. 9, Stack expressed his disgust, warned that the individuals responsible for the statements of hate would be punished to the fullest extent possible according to University guidelines and stressed the values of mutual love and respect.

“I and the administration stand in solidarity with each person who is offended by such acts,” Stack wrote. “When one person in the community is hurt, the whole community is hurt.”

Anthony Grullon, resident adviser for the third floor of Sullivan Hall, contacted the Center for Multicultural Affairs about the graffiti.

“It happens a lot, but one Resident Adviser was fed up with it and solicited some help from us,” said DeVon Jackson, the official coordinator of student engagement.

Grullon’s efforts resulted in a partnership between Residence Life and the Center for Multicultural Affairs.

Together, they hosted a “learning experience” on Tuesday night in Good Counsel Hall to initiate questioning and conversation, some of which was intended to make students uncomfortable.

“If you’re sleeping and you get uncomfortable, what do you do?” Jackson said. “You wake up. You change your position.”