By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-04 21:51:05 | Updated at 2026-08-04 22:50:49
1 hour ago
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.
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.
He was previously released on his own recognizance and is due back in court in October.
NYU officials said after Stepnowsky’s arrest that they were investigating the “heinous” episode and considering a range of punishments, including Stepnowsky’s expulsion.
