The University of Virginia (UVA), sadly, has become a hotbed of antisemitic activism—a hostile space for Jewish students and their sympathizers.
As students return to Grounds for fall classes, so too, has the antisemitic harassment and intimidation.
To wit: UVA administration today reported that an Israeli flag hanging in Rouss Hall had been “defaced” with the words “Where is Palestine.” In an email to the University community from President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom (copied below), the action was termed “antisemitic” and “antithetical” to the University’s values.
UVA McIntire School Dean, Nicole Thorne Jenkins, amplified several key points in a separate message contained in the body of the Ryan/Baucom email:
- This was an act of vandalism
- Vandalism is not protected speech
- The act was a violation of trust and mutual respect
- Bigotry and intimidation have no place at UVA
- A police report was filed in conjunction with this incident
- A separate report was lodged with the University Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights
- The University is pursuing “appropriate actions” against the perpetrator(s)
- Emotional support and wellness resources are available for UVA students
Notably, the University of Virginia and several proxy organizations are the subject of a massive federal civil rights lawsuit—filed on behalf of Israeli-American student, Matan Goldstein—who has been ritually harassed and has suffered multiple physical and verbal assaults at UVA as a result of his heritage.
Read Ryan/Baucom/Jenkins email to the University community:
From: James E. Ryan, President, and Ian B. Baucom, Executive Vice President and Provost
Sent: Friday, September 6, 2024 12:23 PM
Subject: Message to the University CommunityTo the University community,
We are writing to share the message below from Nicole Jenkins, the Dean of the McIntire School, after someone vandalized an Israeli flag hanging in Rouss Hall.
As Dean Jenkins states, this act of antisemitism is antithetical to the values and norms of the McIntire School and the University as a whole. University leaders are supporting the Dean, students, and other members of the community who were affected by this incident. We are also overseeing the investigation to determine who committed this criminal act.
As we all begin another year together on Grounds, we want to make it as clear as possible that while we are committed to free expression, vandalism is not protected speech. Like bigotry and harassment of any kind, it has no place at the University.
Best,
Jim Ryan
PresidentIan Baucom
Executive Vice President and Provost___
From: Dean Jenkins
Date: September 6, 2024 at 7:48 AM EDT
Subject: Message from the DeanGood morning students, staff, and faculty.
I learned yesterday that the Israeli flag hanging in the 200 level of the building was defaced with the statement “Where is Palestine.” The flag was removed yesterday afternoon and will be replaced.
This is a direct violation of our community of trust and mutual respect, as well as an illegal act of vandalism that will not be tolerated by the McIntire School or the University. We have filed a police report and will be pursuing appropriate actions against the person or persons who perpetrated this act. If you know anything about this matter, we strongly encourage you to come forward at this time.
The showcase of flags is a tradition that was started by the Commerce Council in 2019 and, to the best of our knowledge, the flags are representative of both current and past McIntire students.
Questions about the showcase of flags are welcome; however, this was an act of vandalism. Vandalism is not protected speech: it is criminal conduct. Moreover, this act of vandalism targeted and defaced the flag of the world’s only Jewish state. I have spoken with the Provost and we agree that on its face, this appears to be an act of antisemitism and will likely be experienced by many in our community as such.
Let me be clear: all forms of bigotry and intimidation—antisemitism, any other form of religious, racist, or other discrimination—have no place at McIntire or anywhere at the University. This community strives to be welcoming and inclusive of all backgrounds and affinities, and when any member of our community is made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, it adversely affects us all. In addition to filing a police report, we have reported this incident to the University Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights in accordance with University policy.
As a reminder, there are resources in place for those in our community who need support.
To our students: you can always find support through our Student Services office and their relationship with UVA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS Psychologist Erin Tracy, Ph.D., will meet with McIntire students by appointment. Students can schedule an appointment with Dr. Tracy through the Healthy Hoos Portal or by calling CAPS at 434-243-5150 and requesting to meet with the embedded McIntire counselor.
The University provides a wide range of emotional support and wellness resources specifically designed for staff and faculty. I encourage community members to take full advantage of these valuable services.
Respectfully,
NTJ
