By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego State University police force does not plan to further investigate last week’s burglary at Chabad of San Diego at the request of Rabbi Chalom Boudjnah. But the University administration promises to take action against antisemitsm.
A police department spokesperson commented: “The San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) takes all reports of criminal activity very seriously. UPD denounces acts of bias toward any particular group and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our campus community. We are working with campus partners to address student-related misconduct through the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR). As the reporting party has requested that no charges be filed, there is currently no active police investigation. No additional information is available at this time.”
Meanwhile, SDSU reported a new round of antisemitic activity on social media.
Risa Levitt, Ph.D., director of the Jewish Studies Program, messaged: “On behalf of the Jewish Studies Program, I am very sorry to share with you yet another statement from SDSU leadership regarding an antisemitic incident on campus. We are working closely with senior administration on campus to promote the safety and protection of our Jewish faculty, staff and students. There is much work to be done. If you are interested in assisting us, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Stay tuned for updates on the work of the newly formed Presidential Task Force mentioned below. Stay healthy and safe.”
With her message came the following one from J. Luke Wood, Ph.D., SDSU’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity:
“Earlier today [May 11], we were notified of a social media post by an SDSU student promoting antisemitic language and disparaging members of the Jewish community. I joined several other university officials working with the San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) to quickly assess the situation.
“In speaking with SDSU President Adela de la Torre, we decided to write to our entire SDSU community in an effort to make two things clear:
“SDSU strongly condemns language or acts of marginalization, antisemitism, racism and hatred.
“Secondly, the university is taking action in response to this and other recent, though unrelated, incidents of concern in which members of our Jewish community were targeted.
“We were in contact with SDSU’s University Senate chair today to request that our Senate take action via policy modifications, resolutions and other efforts to counter antisemitism on campus and in our community. The Senate Executive Officers immediately reviewed, and have referred this to the Senate Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for action at their next meeting.
“The incident that occurred on social media has been referred to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) for further review. CSRR investigates complaints in order to determine whether the university has jurisdiction to respond to behavior that is inconsistent with community values reflected in the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, UPD has opened an investigation into the posting. UPD has also increased patrols in and around campus, including the nearby Chabad House and Hillel.
“While we cannot share more details, as we do not share information about open police investigation, we want to reinforce a third point: Our work as a campus and a society to vehemently reject bias and antisemitism is not done.
“Our university launched the Presidential Task Force on Addressing Antisemitism last month, which will soon begin meeting. The group is charged with making recommendations for protocols on responding to incidents of antisemitism, hate and bias toward members of SDSU’s Jewish community, and toward the Jewish community as a whole. The task force will also identify strategies to create a more Jewish-inclusive campus, and provide recommendations on programs, events, and learning opportunities that highlight the history and contributions of those who identify as Jewish.
“In March, our university also announced an enhanced partnership with two local organizations: the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Hillel. Together, we have a shared goal of creating a more inclusive community for Jewish students, faculty and staff. The ADL will work closely with SDSU’s Center for Inclusive Excellence to develop an innovative professional learning community for faculty and staff on recognizing and responding to antisemitism, bias and hate in the classroom and in co-curricular spaces. Hillel will offer a new ally seminar designed to help members of the campus community better support the success of Jewish students. We are also exploring additional partnerships that may serve to foster a more safe and welcoming environment for our Jewish students, faculty, and staff.”
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com