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NYU student accused of raising swastika flag at campus site dedicated to Jewish donor shows face in Manhattan court

nyu-student-accused-of-raising-swastika-flag-at-campus-site-dedicated-to-jewish-donor-shows-face-in-manhattan-court
NYU student accused of raising swastika flag at campus site dedicated to Jewish donor shows face in Manhattan court

Here is the first look at the preppy NYU student from Connecticut accused of raising a flag bearing two swastikas next to a Star of David at a campus building dedicated to a Jewish donor.

Alexander Stepnowsky, 23, wore a baby-blue button-down shirt and tan khakis to his routine preliminary Manhattan court hearing Tuesday in his hate-crimes case stemming from the disturbing May incident.

The pupil hoisted the troubling banner — which also included a New York University logo and was designed to look like one of the prestigious school’s purple-and-white flags — during this year’s graduation festivities, prosecutors claim.

Alexander Stepnowsky on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after being arrested and charged with hate crimes.

Alexander Stepnowsky on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Stepnowsky, an NYU student, was arrested and charged with hate crimes in connection with raising a swastika flag over a campus building. (Steven Hirsch 2026) Steven Hirsch for NY Post

A flag with a swastika, a Jewish Star, and NYU branding flying from a flagpole.

A flag with a Jewish star, New York University branding, and a swastika is seen flying atop the NYU Steinhardt Building on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. CBSNews New York

The Fairfield resident admitted to the conduct, claiming he raised the flag because he was upset with how NYU handled political issues around Israel, law-enforcement sources told The Post.

Stepnowsky has pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary and criminal trespass as a hate crime, as well as first-degree aggravated harassment.

Alexander Stepnowsky standing in a hallway.

Alexander Stepnowsky is pictured on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. (Steven Hirsch 2026) Steven Hirsch for NY Post

Flag with a Jewish star, New York University branding, and swastikas.

The banner was raised above the NYU building named after a billionaire donor to Jewish causes during a graduation week event. Yezen Saadah/Washington Square News

He was previously released on his own recognizance and is due back in court in October.

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NYU officials said after Stepnowsky’s arrest that they were investigating the “heinous” episode and considering a range of punishments, including Stepnowsky’s expulsion.

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