The Stanford University Department of Public Safety is investigating a series of vandalisms that occurred on Monday, Dec. 12, when University and Stanford Hospital workers went on strike during hospital contract negotiations.

“Overall, most people behaved responsibly in connection with the strike, as we would expect from our employees and students, and we have no issue with the peaceful demonstrations that took place,” said Debra Zumwalt, Stanford’s General Counsel. “However, we were extremely disappointed with the violent actions.”

According to Zumwalt, a rock was thrown through a window at the Hoover House, University President John Hennessey’s residence, at about 5:30 a.m. on the day of the strike. One of Hennessey’s cars was also damaged, found with a broken window and a damaged front grill.

In a second incident, Zumwalt said three large windows in the entrance to Building 10 were broken while a University employee was inside the building. Zumwalt described that the employee at the time of the incident was “very frightened and upset.”

Deputy Ken Bates from the Office of Special Events for Stanford’s Department of Public Safety confirmed these reports and added that on the day of the strike two electric vehicles were overturned and subsequently leaked battery acid. Zumwalt said the spilled battery acid “necessitated a hazardous materials cleanup.”

According to Zumwalt, there are no reports of personal injury in any of these incidents.

The University has offered a $1,000 reward for anyone who can provide information on the culprits of these crimes.

According to Bates, the three crimes have been labeled as vandalisms and are currently being investigated. The official police reports for the crimes cannot be made public until charges are filed at the district attorney’s office.

Bates also said that the department cannot comment on any leads it has on the perpetrators of these crimes at this time.

“The detective’s bureau has an open and active investigation and is reluctant to release information that could compromise the investigation,” Bates said.

“[The police] investigate to the best of our ability,” he added. “As we build info or leads, we pursue the investigation until we apprehend somebody. If no immediate apprehension is made, we keep the case open, hoping to eventually catch the perpetrators.”

Zumwalt said that the University was generally pleased with the student response to the strike but was upset that members of the Stanford community resorted to acts of violence.

“Stanford has a long history of peaceful protest on labor and other matters, so it was particularly surprising and disappointing to see the vandalism and violence on Dec. 12,” Zumwalt said. “As an educational institution, Stanford embraces open debate, expressions of disagreement with University positions and peaceful demonstrations.

“We do not tolerate criminal acts and violence,” she emphasized.

According to Zumwalt, if student groups are found to be connected to any of the crimes they will be held “collectively responsible” for the criminal actions.

Zev Kvitky, president of the striking United Stanford Workers, said he had no knowledge of the crimes until days after the strikes. Neither the United Stanford Workers nor the SEIU Local 715, another union involved in the strike, has disputed any of the criminal reports.

Some students expressed their disappointment that vandalism accompanied an otherwise peaceful labor protest.

“The crimes that occurred during the strike were not only disrespectful to the Stanford community, but were in direct contradiction with the values of the peaceful, legal protest that was taking place that day,” said sophomore Phil Narodick, a labor advocate. “It is a shame that the plight of thousands of Stanford workers was overshadowed by the unlawful acts of a few.”

Narodick added that he was not surprised by the reports of unruly behavior.

“Crimes during protests and strikes are natural because those who wish to cause destruction will take advantage of a period of unrest,” he said.