Condemning Antisemitism  

April 22, 2024

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

I am troubled and concerned about the unsettling rise in the number of bias reports, particularly incidents of antisemitism on our campuses. We are actively investigating these reports of incidents targeting Jewish students, faculty, or staff because of their religious identity. A disturbing example includes the unauthorized use of a Jewish student's image on posters placed in their dorm. Actions like these are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Rutgers—New Brunswick.

These incidents have the potential to cast a shadow of fear, frustration, and division, hindering the sense of safety and belonging that every member of our community, including our Jewish faculty, students, and staff, rightly deserves. Our collective vision for Rutgers–New Brunswick is to foster an environment that is diverse and inclusive, practices mutual respect and civility, and supports a free and generative exchange of ideas.

Acts of antisemitism, bias, intimidation, and harassment demand cultural and procedural responses. We must stand together to unequivocally condemn these acts of intolerance that starkly contradict our core values. Procedurally, we are committed to thoroughly investigating each bias report, collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies whenever necessary, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

To support our community, I encourage everyone to use our Bias Incident Reporting and Response resources and Discrimination and Harassment Complaint resources. We are dedicated and unwavering in our commitment to enforcing the Rutgers University Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment. Retaliation against individuals who report their experiences is prohibited by Rutgers policy and will be investigated and responded to as well.

I also recognize that we can expand upon our existing resources to address concerns about antisemitism on campus. In response to these challenges, my leadership team has initiated several key actions:

• Establishment of a Chancellor’s Advisory Council for Jewish Life
• Formation of a Task Force to review procedures around codes of conduct and codes of ethics
• Development of educational programs on speech and community messages, highlighted through our Caring for Our Community website, encouraging open and respectful dialogue

However, our work is far from over. We are committed to expanding educational programs, refining our policies and procedures to better protect our community from discrimination and enable timely response, and finding ways to strengthen our process for supporting students and enhancing our support processes and resources for those affected by harassment and bias incidents.

Our resources for all students include:

• Offices of the Dean of Students-Advocacy, Outreach and Support: deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu or 848-932-2300
• Faith and Spirituality Office: 848-932-5500
• Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: 848-932-1181
• Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): 848-932-7884 or register for daily virtual drop-in hours
• Connect with a counselor via UWill.
• Students may also visit the Cultural Centers for support (Asian American Cultural Center, Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Center for Social Justice Education and LBGT Communities, and Paul Robeson Cultural Center).

Our community's strength lies in our unity, compassion, and commitment to intellectual inquiry. By working together, we can bridge our differences and set an example for our community, nation, and world. Together, we are stronger.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick