Rutgers University is facing backlash from Jewish students and professors who are speaking out against widespread campus antisemitism following Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel. Two open letters, one from faculty and one from students, have criticized the administration for failing to address disruptive and antisemitic incidents on campus. The students expressed shock at the celebration of Hamas’ atrocities by people they once considered friends and the defense of the terror group as justified “resistance.”
The faculty members accused the Rutgers administration of failing to uphold the university’s code of conduct and ignoring calls to implement mandatory antisemitism training. They believe that the administration’s decision to cater to the demands of radical protesters has disrupted normal university operations and created a chaotic and intimidating environment on campus. The faculty also criticized the administration for elevating the voices of a radical few above those of the more reasonable whole.
Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway is set to appear before the House Education and Workforce Committee to address concerns about the school’s response to the protests. Lawmakers are questioning Holloway’s actions in the face of what they consider to be gravely concerning actions in response to the demands of unlawful antisemitic encampments on campus. There have been accusations that the school leaders have surrendered to antisemitic radicals and made shocking concessions.
The protests at Rutgers University have been endorsed by Hamas and have seen protesters spray painting images of terrorists on campus sidewalks and shouting antisemitic remarks at Jewish students. The dean denied a Jewish student group the opportunity to host an event, while an anti-Israel tent encampment was allowed to remain on campus. Despite calling for the divestment from Israel, one of the encampments at the Newark campus still continues, according to faculty members.
Jewish students at Rutgers have faced isolation and intimidation, with some being forced to leave classes or change their areas of study due to antisemitic behavior perpetuated by faculty and staff members. While the students expressed gratitude to Holloway for not cutting ties with Tel Aviv University in Israel, they demand consequences for classmates engaging in antisemitic harassment and intimidation. The faculty members have joined the students in calling on the administration to take immediate steps to address antisemitism on campus to prevent a repeat of the previous year’s events.
The US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has launched an investigation into discrimination at Rutgers based on shared ancestry, highlighting the seriousness of the situation at the university. Jewish students and faculty continue to raise concerns about the safety and well-being of the Jewish community on campus and demand action to prevent further instances of antisemitism. It is clear that addressing and eradicating antisemitism at Rutgers University is a top priority for those affected by these disturbing incidents.
