JOINT OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Addressing Seriousness of Anti-Semitic Views Expressed by Oberlin College Professor

CLEVELAND – In response to the recent anti-Semitic views expressed on social media by an Oberlin College assistant professor that garnered international attention, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, AJC Cleveland, the Anti-Defamation League Cleveland Region and the Cleveland Hillel Foundation met with Oberlin College President Marvin Krislov and several of his senior staff. In a welcoming atmosphere, we discussed, openly and candidly, the potential implications of a professor’s personal views on classroom activity and student intimidation. We also discussed our shared respect for academic freedom.

The administration is taking its role seriously. President Krislov and his team are committed to providing a safe environment on campus for all students, regardless of religion. Building on a long and positive relationship, Oberlin College and representatives of the Cleveland Jewish community are working collaboratively to recommend programming that can facilitate a positive discourse on campus to address the consequences and sources of anti-Semitism.

All parties understand and accept that the college is required to follow established academic procedures when addressing questions regarding an individual faculty member. The Jewish community members present were satisfied that Oberlin College is following those procedures and look forward to learning the outcome of that process.

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Media Contacts: Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Dahlia Fisher, 216-593-2794, 443-691-8494, dfisher@jcfcleve.org Anti-Defamation League Cleveland Region, Anita Gray, 216-536-6783, agray@adl.org
AJC Cleveland, Lee C. Shapiro, 216-781-6035, 646-232-5163, shapirol@ajc.org The Cleveland Hillel Foundation, Jared Isaacson, 216-231-0040 x114, jisaacson@clevelandhillel.org Oberlin College, Scott Wargo, 440-775-8474, scott.wargo@oberlin.edu