Vandals targeted a sign announcing the debated name of a new campus building Monday.

The words “Martin C. Jischke” on the temporary sign in front of the nearly complete building were covered with black spray paint.

Director of Public Safety Jerry Stewart said DPS officials have initiated a case, but have no suspects so far.

Stewart said the act was “disappointing.”

“We’re disappointed when vandalism of any kind occurs on campus,” he said. “These acts are costly and display a lack of respect to other people.”

Stewart likened the act to the protests regarding the naming of Catt Hall in 1990.

Those events, in which protesters covered the bricks on the Plaza of Heroines with sheets, were “more constructive in nature,” Stewart said.

Stewart said people who are caught in acts of vandalism can face criminal charges. Officers file criminal mischief charges when appropriate, and usually request paying restitution as part of the sentence.

Stewart said although DPS has been aware of student and faculty groups contesting the name, they did not increase security around the building.

He said they generally try to increase patrols around construction sites, and have “observed and stopped several individuals” within the construction area for the new Union Drive suite buildings.

He said there have not been any other problems in the area surrounding the new building for the Honors Program.

Stewart also said DPS has received increased reports of vandalism during the past three weeks, including broken windows, stolen signs and defaced posters.

Stewart said people who vandalize property are in the minority.

“This only reflects a small percentage of our community population,” he said.

– Daily staff reporter Katie List contributed to this story.