Lappeenranta university student group openly uses Nazi symbols

A student group at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) has repeatedly used Nazi symbols and gestures, prompting the student union to restrict its access to university facilities, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The group, which operates informally on campus, has displayed SS-style insignia on clothing and performed Nazi salutes at events, according to Arttu Kaukinen, executive director of the LUT Student Union. Last year, a Nazi flag was found in student union premises following one of the group’s gatherings.

Kaukinen estimates the group has around 20 active members and has existed since 2012, though its use of antisemitic symbolism intensified after the coronavirus pandemic. Members frequently wear jackets bearing a logo resembling the SS insignia, most recently during May Day celebrations on campus and in the city.

The student union has banned the group from renting its spaces and prohibited its symbols at union-organised events. Kaukinen suggests the group’s actions may be an attempt to provoke, as student culture has become more inclusive.

LUT rector Juha-Matti Saksa confirmed the university leadership was made aware of the group’s activities on Monday. While he condemned the behaviour as contrary to the university’s values, he noted the institution has limited authority over students’ free-time activities. The university will intervene only if illegal conduct or violations of safety protocols occur on its premises.

Attempts by Yle to contact group members for comment were unsuccessful.