LEXINGTON, Ky. — Students at the University of Kentucky are expressing their concern about recent antisemitic behavior. It’s happening too much, said Sophie, a freshman student UK.

“We walk around and we are just trying to find our class but then you also look on your phone and you talk to some of your friends and you see that it's now antisemitism is here on campus and you are just, you can't even handle it,” Sophie said.

She and her sister, Sydni, are wrapping the semester before heading into the summer break.

“When we're talking about something like antisemitism on both the University of Kentucky's campus and all the other university campuses throughout the nation, I think it's a very sensitive topic for a lot of people,” Sophie said.

It’s sensitive because she said it’s much more than posting something on social media or a short-lived conversation.

“I think it's really understanding where it stems from and taking a look and diving deeper to make sure that we really root out the actual issue, and then we all confront it and we talk about it so I think that that really needs to happen,” Sophie said.

She’s referencing the most recent anonymous report posted on social media where there’s an allegation member of a fraternity addressing a pledge brother with Nazi salutes on several occasions.

“It's heartbreaking, in itself, that it already took place but it's even more heartbreaking that people have to honestly hide themselves and hide what makes them happy, what makes their identity, honestly,” Sophie said.

It’s not the first time antisemitic behavior’s taken place on campus. In November, vandals destroyed the Chabad Jewish Student Center’s sign. In December, a man dragged a Jewish member of the community in a drive-by attack during a Menorah lighting ceremony during the festival of Hanukkah. In January, Lexington police said a man placed stickers with a QR code at several area businesses. The QR code linked to a website containing antisemitic messages.

Both sisters take part in Greek life organizations on campus.

Sydni said she’s seen a transformation in her sorority in the past several years by giving exposure to a variety of traditions and holiday celebrations. 

“I’ve seen so much change within the 300 girls. 300 is a lot but, 300 girls that are my sisters, each and every day just towards diversity and inclusion,” Sydni said.

She’s even been able to do more education.

“I hope that all those little steps go along the way,” Sydni said.

The little steps, hopefully, provide more progress.

“It’s very heartbreaking to see that the campus that you love so much, and the people and community that you surround yourself with, and you have so much pride in that they can do something so heartless and honestly so ignorant to someone else is shameful,” Sophie said.

The University of Kentucky’s Interfraternity Council released a statement condemning the actions. They said, “We are absolutely disgusted and upset by the behaviors of those members.”

UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said the issue is taken very seriously. He said university's Office of Student Conduct is reviewing the case.