HAMMOND | Some Purdue University Calumet students carried a history class assignment too far by writing vulgar, offensive graffiti on campus property, school administrators said.

Students in a section of U.S. History 152 received an extra credit assignment to think like protesters and develop messages of protest, Wes Lukoshus, assistant vice chancellor for advancement, said in a prepared statement.

They were given sidewalk chalk to draft their messages in a limited outdoor area on campus April 29.

Lukoshus said the graffiti featured vulgar words and a swastika drawing. Both violated Purdue University's anti-harassment policy, he said.

"The assignment, while well-intentioned, seemed to lack appropriate structure and resulted in the expression of several inappropriate student messages that were offensive and insensitive," Lukoshus said.

"While Purdue Calumet supports free expression of ideas and opinions, we do not condone expressions that are offensive, insensitive or those that otherwise deter from an accepting, respectful and supportive learning environment."

He said administrators responded to the incident as "a teaching opportunity," and sent a letter in May to students in the history class "reminding them of their responsibility to freely express themselves in a manner respectful of others."

The university also sent a related letter to all students.