Middlebury students wanted to hold a vigil for Oct. 7 attack victims, but administrators asked them to exclude the word ‘Jewish
Discrimination Against Jewish Students at Middlebury College
On October 10, just days after Hamas had committed heinous acts of violence against Israelis, Jewish students at Middlebury College sought to organize a vigil to honor the victims. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the dean of students, Derek Doucet, who wanted to remove any references to Judaism in order to make the event more “inclusive.”
“Some suggestions that might help are stating that this gathering is to honor ‘all the innocent lives lost,’ and including a reference to the ‘tragedies that have struck Israel and Gaza.’ He added that calls for solidarity with Jews could trigger ‘unhelpful reactions.'”
Ironically, less than a month later, Middlebury’s Muslim Students Association hosted a ”Vigil for Palestine” that received full support from the school’s administration. The stark contrast in treatment between the two events highlights the discrimination faced by Jewish students at Middlebury.
“Standing in solidarity,” the Muslim student group wrote in an Instagram post promoting the event. “Together, we honor Palestine.”
This shocking example of discrimination is outlined in a federal civil rights complaint filed against Middlebury by the pro-Israel nonprofit StandWithUs. The complaint alleges that the college created a hostile environment for Jewish students by ignoring their concerns and impeding their efforts to combat campus anti-Semitism.
Investigation and Allegations
The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into Middlebury based on the complaint. The allegations include not only tolerating anti-Semitism but actively discriminating against Jewish students by denying them the same accommodations as their Muslim and Christian peers.
For instance, Middlebury funds and recognizes multiple Christian clubs and the Muslim Students Association, but has refused to recognize Chabad, an orthodox Jewish organization. The school has also been reluctant to provide kosher food options for Jewish students.
Unequal Treatment
The school’s unequal treatment extends to events as well. While Middlebury resisted calls for police presence and discouraged the display of Israeli flags at the Jewish vigil, it provided a police car and a large event space for the Palestinian vigil.
Furthermore, Middlebury’s administration seems to have ideological sympathies that favor the Palestinian cause. A statement released by the college appeared to endorse the Palestinian ”struggle for liberation,” and the school has been accused of covering up its disturbing response to anti-Semitism charges.
Attempts to Rewrite History
The college has also discouraged students from documenting their conversations with administrators. After a Jewish student met with Middlebury’s provost, Michelle McCauley, to address anti-Semitic incidents, the student’s recap of the meeting was dismissed and criticized. Instead, a recap produced by Khuram Hussain, the diversity official who spoke at the Gaza vigil, downplayed the student’s concerns.
The complaint concludes that Middlebury’s administration has not only failed to address its anti-Semitism problem but has actively tried to hide and deny its existence. The college serves as a prime example of a campus where hostility towards Jews and Israelis is allowed to thrive.
How has the discrimination faced by Jewish students at Middlebury College impacted their academic and personal wellbeing?
An investigation into the allegations of discrimination against Jewish students at Middlebury College is currently underway. The complaint argues that the school administration, including Dean Derek Doucet, has displayed a clear bias against Jewish students by obstructing their freedom of expression and diminishing the significance of their grievances. Such actions not only undermine the principles of inclusivity and diversity that the institution claims to promote but also perpetuate a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus. This incident is not an isolated occurrence. Jewish students at Middlebury have consistently faced a series of discrimination on campus, ranging from verbal harassment to exclusion from certain events and activities. The college’s failure to address these issues effectively has created an environment that undermines the wellbeing and sense of belonging for Jewish students. Furthermore, the differential treatment between the proposed vigil for Israel’s victims and the “Vigil for Palestine” further highlights the bias against Jewish students. While one group was encouraged to express solidarity and honor their cause, the other was met with attempts at erasure and exclusion. This discrepancy in support sends a troubling message to Jewish students and undermines their right to have their voices heard and their experiences validated. The implications of this discrimination on Jewish students cannot be understated. These incidents contribute to feelings of marginalization and alienation, which can adversely affect their academic and personal wellbeing. The denial of their right to visibly mourn the loss of innocent lives and the censorship of their Jewish identity sends the message that their perspectives and experiences are not valued at Middlebury College. By not addressing and rectifying these systemic issues, Middlebury College risks creating an environment where discrimination against Jewish students can persist unchecked. It is crucial that the administration takes immediate and concrete steps to dismantle these discriminatory practices and foster an environment that is truly inclusive and supportive for all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The current investigation provides an opportunity for Middlebury College to demonstrate its commitment to combating discrimination and promoting equitable treatment of all students. The school must take proactive measures to address the concerns raised in the civil rights complaint and ensure that Jewish students are able to enjoy their rights and freedoms without fear of prejudice or bias. Additionally, Middlebury College should take steps to educate the campus community about the history and impact of anti-Semitism, promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, and actively engage with Jewish student organizations to address their specific needs and concerns. By doing so, the school can foster an environment of respect, acceptance, and inclusivity for all members of its community. The discrimination faced by Jewish students at Middlebury College is a deeply concerning issue that cannot be ignored. The school’s administration must confront the systemic biases that perpetuate this discrimination and take swift, meaningful action to rectify the situation. Middlebury College has an obligation to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and valued on their campus, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. By addressing these issues effectively, the college can work toward creating an inclusive and affirming environment for all its students.Impact on Jewish Students
Call for Action
Conclusion
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