Board of Trustees

(Heading) No Slogans, Just Moral Clarity at Brandeis University How did the acceptable response to the heinous and brutal murder of almost 1,200 civilians of 33 nationalities and the kidnapping of an additional 240 babies, children, women, and men become anything other than unequivocal condemnation? The Brandeis University Board of Trustees asserts that the virulent antisemitism that has overtaken too many universities over the past six weeks - and, in turn, led to Jewish students feeling unsafe - will not be tolerated at our institution. The Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7 represented a watershed. It was the worst single atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust And while antisemitism had been a serious threat on some American campuses before that fateful day, it has exploded since, with countless examples of Jewish students being bullied, intimidated, and physically attacked while Israel is demonized and vilified. Throughout, Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz has been an exceptional voice of moral courage and clarity. He immediately and unequivocally condemned the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas. He stressed the university's commitment to deepening its ties with Israel. He has insisted on peaceful and civil discussion and debate. He has reached out to Jewish students to ensure they feel supported. He has assured all students that attacks against any background or belief system are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. He has reminded the campus of the right to protest in support of Palestinians within the guidelines of the university's code of conduct and principles for free expression. And he has stated, in no uncertain terms, that any incitement to violence or glorification of terror will not be countenanced at Brandeis. In 1948, Brandeis University was founded by the American Jewish community in response to the widespread use of restrictive quotas for Jews at top-tier universities. From its establishment, it has been a welcoming institution for students and faculty of all backgrounds, as it has been a champion of the highest standards of academic excellence and foundational democratic values. Any form of hate or bigotry has absolutely no place at Brandeis. It never has. It never will. An unambiguous message has been sent by Brandeis to the world of higher education and the nation: Today, antisemitism poses a clear and present danger to Jews on many campuses, and the answer is to acknowledge and confront it head-on, not to deny, minimize, and rationalize it under the quaint higher­ ed term of “institutional neutrality”. Universities are in the business of educating the next generation of leaders. This means creating an environment that encourages discussion, debate, and critical thinking. It does not, however, mean subsidizing the propagation of hate speech and the promotion of terrorist activity that leads to unsafe conditions for anyone on campus. At this moment in history, we remain fiercely proud that Brandeis University has held fast to its founding mission of fighting discrimination in all its forms. We invite our peers in higher education to join us in this fight. Signed, Brandeis University Board of Trustees Lisa Kranc, Chair Members: Leslie Aronzon Cynthia Berenson Stephen Berger Lewis Brooks Steven Bunson Daniel Blumenthal Merle Carrus Amy Cohen Barbara Dortch-Okara Nancy Dreyer Susan Feigenbaum Madalyn Friedberg David Harris Marjorie Hass Daniel Jick Ronald Kaiserman Ellen Kaplan Stephen Kay Martin Kupferberg Sylvia Neil Monique Nelson Gregory Petsko Ronald Ratner Stephen Reiner Adam Rifkin Leonard Rosenberg Jay Ruderman Daniel Rueven Carol Saivetz Barbara Sander Cynthia Shapira Bram Shapiro Malcolm Sherman Todd Soloway Mark Surchin Curtis Tearte Barton Winokur Lewin Wright Bing-le Wu Lan Xue Xiru Zhang