☆ Perspectives: What does SJSU's response letter about pro-Hamas fray mean—and is it enough?
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In light of Monday's antisemitic incident at San Jose State—and SJSU's official acknowledgment on 2.20—Opp Now called up three locals well-versed in issues of free speech and ideological discrimination in higher ed. Insightful comments below from Jay Sures (lone regent voice opposing UC faculty council's pro-Hamas letter), Elizabeth Weiss (whom SJSU tried silencing for her bone reburial views), and Tim Rosenberger, Jr. (then-president of a Stanford student group whose speaker was heckled by students/a dean). Also, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bay Area weighs in. An Opp Now exclusive.
Jay Sures, University of California regent:
Regarding Monday's protest: it's abhorrent; it's gross. That behavior should never be tolerated on any campus.
As far as San Jose State's response: it's a strongly worded letter, but I think letters only go so far. What we really need now is some real leaders to stand up, to speak out and be firm that this type of behavior is not acceptable anywhere. It's just so unfortunate, but I think this is becoming more of the norm than an anomaly.
Elizabeth Weiss, Heterodox Academy Center for Academic Pluralism faculty fellow:
When freedom of speech, especially surrounding controversial topics, isn't supported on campus, then we shouldn't be surprised if students and faculty think that violence and intimidation are appropriate tactics to silence those that they disagree with.
Tim Rosenberger, Jr., Manhattan Institute legal policy fellow:
President Teniente-Matson’s statement correctly identifies the essential and central role that free speech plays in the work of the university. Unfortunately, statements like this appear unserious when they are not accompanied by consequences for those who use threats and violence to silence views with which they disagree.
Our hearts naturally break for the imperfection of the world, and we should feel great empathy for all human suffering, but empathy for a victim must never be harnessed to create another victim. Our universities are failing if students resort to antisemitic attacks.
Jeremy Russell, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bay Area director of marketing and communication:
That intimidation tactics were employed against Prof. Jeffrey Blutinger, a Jewish speaker discussing ways to achieve peace, is deeply troubling and speaks to the larger issue of antisemitism on college campuses. We urge San Jose State University officials to take action to ensure a safe environment for its Jewish community.
[Addendum: SJSU Professor of Justice Studies and Co-Chair of the Palestine, Arab, and Muslim (PAM) Caucus of the California Faculty Association (CFA) Sang Hea Kil put out a statement regarding the incident, for which she was present:]
Promoting a Gaza genocide denier as a legitimate speaker is the real injury here and the actual cause of the disruption, not our students’ protest about the speaker, which was a reasonable response to SJSU’s apparent enabling of hate, violence and genocide toward Palestine.
Related:
Chabot College analysis: Free speech also protects ideas you dislike
Opinion: Local Leftists will and do sacrifice free speech for DEI
SJSU prof: New university prez pushing anti-intellectual “social justice re-education” agenda
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