Penn State Police are investigating several instances of intolerant graffiti that has been discovered in Hamilton Hall since last semester.

The graffiti -- derogatory remarks about race and sexual orientation -- has been found on white boards and doors throughout the all-male West Halls residence hall, police said.

"It's not odd. It's probably odd in the sense that this has been going on so long in one particular area," Penn State Police Lt. Bill Moerschbacher said. "Sometimes we see them after weekends. Sometimes someone just writes something down to get a rise. Or who knows for what reason they write it?"

Moerschbacher said the incidents have been happening regularly but not frequently. He added that university police have attended a few floor meetings held at the hall this week.

Danny Iachini (junior-computer science), a resident of Hamilton Hall, said he has not seen any of the graffiti but has seen crime alerts about it posted.

"I hadn't really noticed any problems except hearing about this," Iachini said.

Iachini said he was told at a floor meeting that the incidents were a problem on the lower floors of Hamilton Hall.

Sean Cook, assistant director of West Halls, said officials hope to find the responsible individual.

"We take it seriously, and should we find out who has been doing this, they will face disciplinary action," Cook said. "We will be asking the police to press charges."

Moerschbacher said individuals, if caught, will face criminal mischief charges for defacing property but could be charged with harassment if the remarks are found to be directed at a specific individual.

"We would like to find out what exactly is the motivation behind it," Moerschbacher said.

He said police are addressing the incidents now because they hope witnesses may come forward.

"Sometimes we put [crime alerts] out to see if someone wants to say something," Moerschbacher said. "The semester's winding down, so we figured we'd give it another shot."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact university police at 814-863-1111. Callers can remain anonymous. Those who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Silent Witness at psu.edu/dept/police/silentwitness.html.