Condemning Antisemitism: A Statement from President McInnis
October 31, 2023
I am writing to express deep concern about the rise of antisemitism nationally, on Long Island, and on college campuses. In a week when we have seen horrific postings at Cornell University threatening death to Jewish students, we must be unequivocal in our condemnation of antisemitism.
With reported antisemitic incidents increasing by 400 percent in the weeks since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, President Biden announced on Monday a series of measures designed to support authorities in identifying and disrupting threats to the Jewish community. We at Stony Brook welcome these actions and will partner with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, the Department of Justice, and other elements of the federal government to protect the safety of all members of the Stony Brook community. We must do everything in our power to combat the disturbing rise of antisemitic activity, including violence, across the U.S., not only on college campuses.
This is not who we are as Americans. This is not who we are as members of the Stony Brook community. Our exceptionally diverse Stony Brook campus community has held vigils, demonstrations, and other expressions of divergent and opposing viewpoints peacefully and, for the most part, with a degree of civility that speaks to our shared values as a community of thoughtful educators and learners. I appreciate that most members of our community have found a way to exercise free speech rights without demonizing others.
That said, we are not immune from the currents running through our society. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and a general tendency to demonize those with whom we disagree all pose a threat to our core values of learning, respect, and dialogue. In the current environment, it is especially important to reject the ancient tropes of antisemitism. Additionally, it is wrong to hold Jewish members of our community responsible for the actions of the State of Israel. It is equally wrong to equate Muslims with terrorism, or to characterize all opposition to Israeli policies as antisemitic.
Though much of what we might consider objectionable or hurtful speech is constitutionally protected (however much we condemn it), violence and threats of violence are not. That includes interfering with the speech rights of others, whether through vandalism, physical intimidation, doxxing or any other means. Stony Brook will take whatever action is necessary to protect the rights of the members of our community to legally and peacefully express themselves, and to protect their safety. And I call on everyone to understand that their words are powerful: speech that dehumanizes others erodes the foundation of mutual respect upon which our vibrant educational community thrives. I would urge everyone who wishes to express themselves on these issues to research and carefully consider the historical significance and impact of some commonly used slogans.
The safety and security of our campus community are a top priority. More information is available in our most recent safety update.
Additionally, the campus community should feel free to reach out for emotional and other support. The Division of Student Affairs is contacting our international students who may be impacted to offer assistance. Stony Brook’s Student Support Team is available to assist all students. Faculty, staff, and healthcare employees who wish to talk with someone are encouraged to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
At this difficult time, we should strive to uphold our core values as a caring community and a leading institution of higher education.
Sincerely,
Maurie McInnis
President