Books About Gay Issues Vandalized At Harvard

Harvard police say they are investigating vandalism to about 40 books about lesbian and gay issues at a Harvard University library. Police are considering the act a hate crime.

Security staff at Lamont Library said in a report filed with campus police on Friday that it appeared someone poured urine on the books on Nov. 24. An empty bottle was found nearby.

A police spokesman told The Crimson, Harvard's student newspaper, that all the books were about lesbian, gay and same-sex marriage issues.

Library spokeswoman Beth Brainard said it took so long to report the incident because staff wanted to assess the value of the books. She said they were worth several thousand dollars and will be discarded.

Marco Chan, co-chairman of the Harvard College Queer Students and Allies, called the incident "disconcerting."