Brandeis’ commitments to inclusion and to combatting hate
Nov. 27, 2023
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As we head into the final weeks of the semester following what I hope was a restorative break, I want to recognize how challenging the past seven weeks have been and thank all the faculty and staff who have been sources of support for students and for one another during these challenging times.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has been front and center for many on campus and is likely to remain so for the near future. As we continue to mourn the loss of life in the Middle East, Palestinian and Israeli alike, we find ourselves faced with an increasingly volatile environment here at home. Just this past weekend, three college students of Palestinian descent were shot near the University of Vermont campus. Our thoughts are with the three injured students, and we hope for their full recovery from what is being investigated as a hate crime.
Here at Brandeis, know that the university’s top priority is to provide a physically safe campus for all students, faculty, and staff. We also continue to encourage and support all Brandeisians who engage in difficult and challenging issues such as the dialogue around the Israel-Hamas war, and we remain committed to ensuring a safe and open environment in which to have such conversations. I suggest that everyone take advantage of the exceptional academic resources available at Brandeis to learn more about the current conflict, including a teach-in scheduled for December 5th (more information to come from the provost and deans) and a “Lunch and Learn” series hosted by the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies on November 28 and December 4 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Brandeis is committed to protecting free speech and academic freedom, ensuring a safe environment, and adhering to our obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While we may not always agree about how tensions among these principles are balanced and resolved, I believe we create our best learning environment when we allow ourselves to hear one another regardless of our different perspectives.
With respect to Title VI in particular, this act protects students from discrimination based on their race, color, or national origin at federally funded post-secondary educational institutions. Since 2004, it has been recognized that this protection extends to Jewish students.
In 2010, the Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice further clarified the nature of protection for specific groups in a letter to the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights:
"Although Title VI does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and members of other religious groups violates Title VI when that discrimination is based on the group's actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, rather than its members' religious practice. Title VI further prohibits discrimination against an individual where it is based on actual or perceived citizenship or residency in a country whose residents share a dominant religion or a distinct religious identity."
Legalities aside, Brandeis, from its founding in 1948, welcomed all academically qualified students no matter their religion, race, or gender identity, and it remains committed to this founding principle. It is critical, as many of us wrestle with the Israel-Hamas war, and with other conflicts around the globe and more locally, to reiterate this commitment to welcoming and protecting all students at Brandeis.
At the same time, we must not forget that the specific need for, and establishment of, Brandeis arose to counter blatant antisemitism in higher education, which limited academically qualified Jewish students from enrolling at most colleges and universities. Brandeis was and remains the singular non-sectarian university founded by the American Jewish community. We are proud of that heritage and honor the values that the founders held dear.
Fortunately, many colleges and universities followed Brandeis’ lead and ultimately opened their doors to Jews and other underrepresented groups. And while Brandeis’ founding values largely became universal across higher education, Brandeis’ status as the singular Jewish-founded non-sectarian institution remains an important part of its identity and bestows upon it certain responsibilities.
In addition to ensuring openness and inclusivity for all students, faculty, and staff and a commitment to fighting all forms of hate, Brandeis, given its history and unique status among American universities, must be a leading voice in countering antisemitism in higher education. Based on what we see today on other campuses and in communities locally and globally, it is sadly obvious that antisemitism requires such attention.
Two weeks ago, the university hosted a pilot program on antisemitism and higher education that included more than 100 university administrators from twenty-one colleges and universities. Participants came from presidents', provosts', and deans' offices; from admissions, student affairs, and DEI offices; from departments of religious and spiritual life; and from the faculty of several institutions. Presenters came from law schools, university faculties, DEI offices, and non-profit organizations involved in studying and addressing antisemitism.
Our university can, and must, support Brandeisians from all backgrounds while also leading the effort to fight antisemitism. These pursuits are not incompatible. I believe that, just as Brandeis’ founding in response to antisemitism created a university open to all and provided a model for other universities, our leadership in countering antisemitism can lead to an environment in which hatred and discrimination against any group is not tolerated. Brandeis can, once again, serve as a model for other universities.
Sincerely,
Ron Liebowitz
During the last two weeks of the semester and throughout final exams, I encourage all who find themselves in need of support to use resources that are available on campus, listed below.
Support for students
Students affected by the conflict desiring support services may reach out to the Brandeis Counseling Center whose support is available 24-7, as well as Spiritual Life, including individual campus clergy, the Dean of Students Office, and the International Students and Scholars Office. The Ombuds Office is available to help address difficult interpersonal situations and offers conflict resolution support.
Support for faculty and staff
Brandeis’ Employee Assistance Program offers many options for support, including referrals to counseling. The Ombuds Office can offer help to resolve conflicts that can arise in the workplace. And the Occupational Health Department is also a valuable resource for individuals and departments seeking support services, such as serving as a health advocate, providing education and resources to address stress management and self-care, offering workspace adjustments, and addressing any workplace health, safety, or wellbeing concerns. Faculty may also reach out to their deans.