A 23-year-old New York University student from Connecticut appeared in Manhattan court Tuesday facing hate crime charges related to an incident in which he reportedly displayed a flag featuring two swastikas alongside a Star of David at a campus building dedicated to a Jewish donor. Alexander Stepnowsky, a Fairfield resident, was dressed in a baby-blue button-down shirt and tan khakis during the preliminary hearing.

According to prosecutors, Stepnowsky raised the flag, which also incorporated the NYU logo and was designed to resemble the school’s official purple and white banner, during this year’s graduation events. Law enforcement sources indicated that he admitted to putting up the banner but stated his actions stemmed from dissatisfaction with NYU’s handling of political matters related to Israel.

Stepnowsky has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including burglary and criminal trespass as a hate crime, as well as first-degree aggravated harassment. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court in October.

University officials characterized the incident as “heinous” and said they are conducting an internal investigation. The school has indicated that disciplinary measures, including the possibility of expulsion, are being considered in response to the episode.