Otters for Life statue at CSUMB defaced with graffiti targeting student housing

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Cal State Monterey Bay announced Tuesday that the new Otters for Life statue was defaced in what they believe was an attack against student housing.

"We were deeply saddened that our new Otters for Life statue was defaced," said university spokesperson Walter Ryce. "Actions such as these divide our community and are not in alignment with our Cal State Monterey Bay values of engaging in respectful and productive dialogues."

According to Ryce, the investigation is ongoing and active as the school tries to identify the vandals.

"Any individual found responsible will be held fully accountable for all related expenses, and if the person is a student, they will face student conduct consequences," said Ryce.

Ryce says that the otter statue represents the strength of CSUMB's Otter Raft as well as the school's dedication to community and belonging.

The graffiti made statements directed at student housing and even called out the director of Student Housing & Res Life W. Jeff Cooper.

"We currently have a waitlist for student housing for fall 2025, and our Student Housing and Residential Life team is working diligently to place students on the waitlist in available spaces," said Ryce, addressing the graffitied statements.

Ryce also cited rising rental costs in the surrounding area as adding further pressure on the housing committee as more students are applying for on-campus living.