On 2.19 menacing of Jewish prof: SJSU head says threatening behaviors “will not be tolerated”

Image by JCRC Bay Area

The local Jewish community was appalled this week when CSU Long Beach Jewish Studies professor Jeffrey Blutinger, on campus to deliver a talk about Middle East peace, was met by an angry crowd screaming “intifada.” Some protesters physically confronted police, shut down the speech, and compelled SJSU to seek law enforcement protection for Dr. Blutinger. In a 2.20 statement, SJSU's president Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson below condemns threatening behaviors and rebukes those shutting down “alternative voices.” SJSU is investigating the incident and considering administrative action.

Dear Spartan Community,

I write to inform the campus community of an incident that occurred on Monday, February 19, in Sweeney Hall, where an altercation occurred between protestors, including students, and a member of SJSU’s faculty outside of a classroom where a scheduled guest speaker was presenting during a class session.

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Fortunately, no serious physical injuries were reported. At this time, no police charges have been filed. The circumstances of Monday’s incident, which led to the guest speaker and students being escorted from a classroom, are still under investigation. A SJSU employee involved in the altercation has been placed on administrative leave, pending additional review pursuant to campus protocols. A review of the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s incident is ongoing and other members of the SJSU community may also face administrative action based on reported activities that do not align with campus policy.

I want to be clear — physical altercations or threatening behaviors that jeopardize the safety and security of any member of our university community will not be tolerated.

Our campus values the right to free speech and respects the academic freedom of our faculty and students. At the same time, we also value the right of everyone in our community to learn in a safe environment that privileges dialogue and engagement. Our campus policies and protocols affirm these commitments and guide our ongoing effort to advance knowledge while also providing safe space for alternative voices to be heard.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President

This statement originally appeared in San Jose State University's website. Read the whole thing here.

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