Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that a small group of staff members at the University of Pennsylvania have received antisemitic messages threatening violence. The university’s president, Elizabeth Magill, wasted no time in informing the campus community, making it clear that these hateful messages will not be tolerated. The FBI has been called in to investigate this potential hate crime.
Threats of Violence Made Against UPenn Jewish Community. Here's How the University Responded. #AntisemiticViolencehttps://t.co/y6XCNisJuP
— think (@yhdyth) November 8, 2023
It is absolutely appalling that Penn Hillel and Lauder College House were specifically named in these threats. These messages not only included hateful language, but also targeted the personal identities of the recipients. Thankfully, after investigating both locations, the campus police found no credible threat. However, in order to ensure the safety and security of the community, Penn Police will be remaining on campus and security will be increased.
This incident comes at a time when campuses across the country are being targeted with similar threats. The safety and well-being of the community should always be the top priority, and it is reassuring to see Penn taking swift and forceful action in response to these threats of violence.
It is important to note that this unfortunate situation comes on the heels of backlash the university faced from donors over its response to the Hamas terror attack on Israel. It seems that some people have forgotten that freedom of expression and differing viewpoints are valued in academia. Penn’s decision to host the Palestine Writers Literature Festival should not be used as an excuse to perpetuate hate and violence.
It is crucial that the individual or individuals responsible for these threatening emails are identified and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Antisemitic acts have no place on a university campus or anywhere else. These acts cause deep hurt and fear for the Jewish students, faculty, and staff at Penn, and it is completely intolerable.
The university’s announcement that it will be reviewing its process for external groups hosting events on campus is a step in the right direction. It is important to ensure that every event held on campus adheres to the university’s values of inclusivity and respect. Let this be a reminder to all that hate has no place in our society, and we must all stand together against it.
