“When the groups focus on the ‘threat’ of multiculturalism, diversity and liberalism, they’re hoping that some students who feel that that atmosphere on campus is too much for them will view white supremacist groups as an alternative,” he said.

But sometimes it’s less about the students than the school, he added.

“They also just want to troll campuses,” Segal said. “Part of it is just about getting a reaction from the school itself. They’ll also post their flyer images on social media to make it seem like they have a much bigger reach than they do.”