Affirming Brandeis' Values
April 7, 2025
Dear Brandeisians,
I was deeply saddened by the demonstration that took place at the entrance to our campus on Friday.
While we encourage debate over difficult topics at Brandeis, we can never permit, threatening, harassing, hateful or antisemitic speech on our campus.
Most of the masked protesters on Friday were not members of the Brandeis community. Accordingly, the university is taking three steps:
- We will enforce our no-trespassing policy to its fullest extent. Individuals who are not members of the Brandeis community (current students, faculty, and staff) are prohibited from taking part in any protest, demonstration, rally or similar activity on campus. The Brandeis campus is private property, and violation of this policy will be considered trespassing, subject to law enforcement action.
- Face coverings may not be used to avoid responsibility for one’s actions, they may only be worn for medical and religious purposes.
- The students who invited the trespassers to protest on campus will face disciplinary proceedings.
All members of the community are expected to respect university policies including policies governing community standards. Students who are accused of violating Brandeis policies on demonstration and use of space, including inviting third-party participation in a protest, will be referred to appropriate offices for disciplinary action.
I am proud to be a member of the Brandeis community. Our university was created to be a shining city on a hill in which the actions of our community are intended to be a beacon to the world of our values. No institution is perfect in achieving this, but Brandeis, because of its mission, has a special duty to condemn antisemitism, hate and discrimination of all types, and to strive to repair the world.
This is an awesome responsibility, and one which Brandeis has embraced throughout its history.
I wish everyone a wonderful break.
Sincerely,
Arthur Levine
Interim President