Rethinking Graffiti at Reed to Care for One Another

By the Presidential Council on Campus Climate

Graffiti has long been part of Reed’s campus culture. For some, it has been a way to spark dialogue, challenge authority, or leave a creative imprint. But recently, what has appeared in our restrooms has shifted. Too often, graffiti has included hateful language targeting members of our community for who they are. These words are not harmless—they wound and they create fear. And they chip away at the sense of belonging every Reedie deserves.

As the Presidential Council on Campus Climate, we have listened, reflected, and wrestled with this issue. We recognize that graffiti has been meaningful for many over the years, and we did not come to this decision lightly. But ultimately, we believe that Reed can no longer allow graffiti in campus restrooms.

Why this change matters

We know some may feel these guidelines limit expression. But what we’ve seen is that the harm caused by restroom graffiti now outweighs the good. When words are used as weapons—especially in anonymous spaces—they silence voices instead of amplifying them. They send a message that some members of our community do not belong.

We want Reed to be a place where every student feels safe enough to speak, learn, and thrive. Banning graffiti in restrooms is one step toward creating that environment.

Balancing safety and privacy

In considering how to respond, we looked at options like surveillance cameras or more intrusive monitoring. We have chosen not to go that route at this point because we believe in protecting individual privacy. Instead, we have chosen a path that focuses on reducing harm while respecting the dignity of everyone who uses these spaces. Much of the graffiti on campus is done anonymously. However, students found graffitiing will be subject to college policy adjudicated by the Student Judicial Board.

Respecting those who care for our campus

We also want to acknowledge the people whose work makes Reed possible every day: our custodial and facilities staff and our Community Safety team. Removing graffiti is not just an inconvenience—it’s extra work piled on already full workloads. Each message written on a wall is time and energy taken from people who give so much to keep our campus clean, safe, and welcoming. By choosing to keep our restrooms graffiti-free, we are also choosing to respect their labor and show gratitude for their care.

A community-wide commitment

We know change can be hard, especially when it touches something that has long felt like “part of Reed.” But traditions are only worth keeping if they strengthen us. When they start to cause harm, it’s time to evolve.

This expectation is not about shutting down expression. It’s about ensuring that Reed remains a community where dialogue is fearless but never cruel, and where care for one another is woven into our shared spaces.

Reed is at its best when we live out our values together—when we honor both our commitment to free inquiry and our responsibility to treat one another with dignity. Keeping our restrooms free of graffiti is one small but meaningful way to show that care.

We invite every member of this community to join us in this commitment. Together, we can make Reed a place where every person feels respected, valued, and safe.