Lappeenranta university student group under scrutiny for Nazi-linked symbols

A student group at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) has drawn criticism for openly using symbols resembling Nazi insignia, Finnish broadcaster Yle reports after visiting the campus.

The group, Skinnarilan sikaklupi (SSK), has worn jackets featuring a lightning-bolt-styled “SS” logo—echoing the SS emblem of Nazi Germany—though members deny any far-right connections. Following backlash, the group has agreed to change its logo, according to the student union.

Students at LUT have expressed mixed reactions. Some, like Iida Ahola, who has studied at the university for six years, described the symbols as “bad humour” and found their presence concerning. “I’ve seen those jackets,” Ahola told Yle. “It’s worrying. I hope everyone feels safe at student union events.”

Others, including international student Ilja Kaminski, initially dismissed the group as harmless. “I didn’t even notice the SSK logo until the news broke,” Kaminski said, adding he had never seen antisemitic symbols used by the group. A survey of foreign students by Yle found none recognised SSK or its activities.

The student union has intervened, with managing director Arttu Kaukinen confirming they have “done everything possible within legal limits.” The group’s chairperson told Yle the logo change was decided in May after losing access to union facilities but reiterated that SSK has no Nazi ties.

Earlier reports revealed that Nazi salutes were performed at a student event, prompting LUT’s vice-rector to state the matter was “under investigation.”