JOINT OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Addressing Seriousness of Anti-Semitic Views Expressed by Oberlin College Professor
March 4, 2016
Communications Staff
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.
- end -
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
You may also like…
NEA Big Read in Oberlin Continues with Historical Re-Enactment
September 20, 2022
Oberlin College Recognized for Sustainability Initiatives that go Above and Beyond
November 23, 2021
Oberlin to launch Internship+ Commitment for students entering in fall 2022
November 5, 2021