I'm a Jewish parent. I learned a lot about students' perspectives and experiences (including my kid's roommate) from The Temple Students for Justice for Palestine. I encourage all families to keep an open mind and to embrace Temple’s commitment to diversity and inclusion during challenging times. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyi3caSOU_4/?igshid=cGtpYWFlbGpiejh3
Thank you for your response.
Here's the link to register for the Hillel 'Campus Climate Update' on Mon., Nov. 13 at 7pm ...
Temple Hillel's Acting Executive Director Mallory Kovit will share updates on the current climate at Temple University for Jewish students. Additionally, hear how Temple Hillel is supporting students at this time. Lastly, we will share the student perspective. Register at https://hillel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__d_I4Iv6Rmq4Acmn9VbloQ#/registration
I received a follow up email from Hillel. They invite any parent who is interested to register for their webinar on Monday (https://hillel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__d_I4Iv6Rmq4Acmn9VbloQ#/registration)
Hillel reports that Temple students are dealing with increased levels of antisemitism on campus and through social media. There are anti-Israel demonstrations on campus that the university is aware of and monitoring for safety purposes. At Temple University, there is a professional advisor on antisemitism, Ariella Werden-Greenfield. The protocol at Hillel has been that every time a student shares that they experienced antisemitism on campus, be it in or out of the classroom, it is reported to Ariella to ensure the university is aware of it and can carry it through the proper channels.
Temple Hillel staff are working closely with the University’s administration, TU Public Safety, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to ensure the physical safety of Jewish students at Temple.
Hillel is doing everything we can to safeguard our students’ emotional wellbeing by providing mental wellness support and connecting them to Tuttleman.
Things are updating every day,
We have contacted several departments at Temple in order to respond to your question, among them the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Office of Strategic Communications, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of the Dean of Students. We have also reached out to the Student Government (TSG), Hillel and SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine). Not everyone has responded yet, but we did want to get back with you. We will forward new information as it is received.
It has been reported to us that, thus far, Temple has experienced little to no issues, and the events, vigils, and demonstrations have been orderly and peaceful. According to TSG, while some students have expressed stress, anxiety, and concerns, so far none have reported overt discrimination directed at them. There was an incident at Temple Law regarding a student statement that was deemed antisemitic, which has been addressed by the Dean and the students. (https://www.inquirer.com/education/temple-law-palestine-free-speech-20231101.html)
Student Affairs and IDEAL (Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership) have co-sponsored an ongoing project encouraging Temple community members to share their hopes and wishes for peace.
The safety and well-being of Temple students remains a primary concern and students have been advised to access support and resources as needed. A list of these resources can be found here (https://diversity.temple.edu/institutional-diversity/about)
Hillel responded to our outreach and is hosting a webinar on Monday evening, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. about current concerns of Jewish students at Temple. You can contact Hillel for more information regarding this webinar (https://www.hillelattemple.org/)
Your questions regarding professors and in-class discussion is difficult to assess with any certainty. What we know from speaking with TSG is that some professors have decided not to address this issue in class. Others have openly reached out to their students to ask if they have any concerns. Others have even coordinated in-class discussions.
DPS is taking several proactive steps to monitor the intelligence, and events and provide layers of resources to maintain a safe environment (https://news.temple.edu/announcements/2023-10-13/update-department-public-safety).
DPS provided a long list of specific, comprehensive action steps that I can send to you, if you have interest. DPS was very forthcoming.
At this time, there are no credible threats related to the social media posts. DPS has briefed all its supervisors who have made their police officers, security officers, communication dispatchers, and Allied security aware to increase their visible presence, camera monitoring, and proactive patrols around campus.
In addition, DPS will continue to monitor for any additional information and are on alert to any potential issues or incidents.
Additional links that may be helpful include:
https://news.temple.edu/announcements/2023-10-13/message-president
https://news.temple.edu/announcements/2023-10-13/resources-and-support-temple-students
https://www.inquirer.com/news/penn-temple-drexel-israel-gaza-protest-palestine-20231025.html
We hope that this response allays your concerns and confirms that much is being done to keep all Temple students safe. Please do not hesitate to write back in the comment section with any further questions.