What’s happening:
University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned following her failure to clearly condemn calls for genocide of Jews as a violation of school rules. Jewish students at the Ivy League institution have faced a tumultuous time, dealing with increased antisemitism on campus.
Why it matters:
Magill’s resignation comes amidst rising concerns over campus antisemitism and the safety of Jewish students. The change in leadership signals a move towards addressing these issues, but students express that more action is required to combat antisemitism at the university and beyond.
The big picture:
Jewish students at Penn have been navigating a challenging academic environment amid heightened antisemitism. Despite the resignation of the university president, students feel that the core issue persists — antisemitism among peers and faculty members.
Context:
Controversy has been brewing at Penn for months, sparked by a Palestinian culture festival featuring speakers accused of antisemitism and incidents of antisemitic vandalism. The university established an antisemitism task force and faced a federal complaint about the campus environment for Jewish students.
Student reactions:
While some students perceive Magill’s departure as a positive step, others fear backlash or feel that the president’s resignation doesn’t directly improve their sense of safety. The focus shifts to the importance of addressing antisemitic behavior and rhetoric on campus.
On campus life:
Despite the resignation and the challenges it presents, Jewish life at Penn continues with events like Hanukkah celebrations and performances by the Penn Jewish a cappella group. Students are striving to maintain a sense of normalcy and community.
Looking ahead:
Jewish students at the University of Pennsylvania are calling for clear policies to define and address hate speech and antisemitism. They emphasize the need for a campus environment where Jewish identity and activism can thrive without fear.
This story was first published on jpost.com.