Combating harassment, bias and antisemitism

Dear students, faculty and staff,

As President, there is no greater responsibility than to ensure each and every member of our community feels safe, valued and respected. Regardless of your race, gender identity, disability status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, we are fully committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and protected here at the University of Minnesota.

I am writing to you today, as our Twin Cities campus is now the subject of two federal investigations involving allegations of antisemitism: a U.S. Department of Education investigation and a pending U.S. Department of Justice task force campus visit. We also received a failing score on the Anti-Defamation League’s latest campus antisemitism report card.

During the first eight months of my presidency, I have been working closely with members of our University community to foster a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.

Unfortunately, harassment, discrimination and bias — including antisemitism — continues to exist across the globe, negatively impacting people and communities. Here at the University of Minnesota, we take these issues very seriously.

As a leadership team and a University, we are strongly committed to enhancing support for members of our community who are Jewish. We are in regular communication with Jewish students and faculty groups, who have been advising us to better understand their lived experiences in this time, and augment their experience on campus.

In response to their advocacy, the University recently joined the Hillel Campus Climate Initiative — a nationwide program that equips campus administrators with strategies to counter antisemitism and foster an environment where Jewish students feel safe expressing their identities.

Over the past year, the University has made substantial improvements to its Bias Response and Referral Network to ensure that reporting is easier, intuitive and effective. We have also worked to clarify and communicate our policies regarding time, place and manner for events, demonstrations and civic engagement.

Let me be clear. Any and all forms of harassment, intimidation and bias against any member of our University community will not be tolerated. Decisive measures will be taken to end any hostile actions based on shared ancestry or any other protected characteristic, and University leaders will continue to work diligently to prevent their recurrence.

There is absolutely no place for antisemitism at the University of Minnesota. In accordance with our institutional values, we firmly and aggressively reject any and all forms of hatred directed toward members of our Jewish community.

Since the Anti-Defamation League issued its report card, we have unfortunately learned the University did not provide updated information that informed our grade. We are actively working with the ADL to address this matter and clarify the many actions we have implemented over the past year to prevent and combat antisemitism, which were not reflected in their report card.

The allegations under investigation and scores on the ADL report card do not reflect our strong systemwide commitment and comprehensive, proactive approach to ensure that everyone feels safe. As we have said from the outset, the University will fully cooperate with any reviews or investigations involving these important matters.

For individuals who believe they have experienced any type of bias or discrimination, I strongly encourage you to report this activity to the University’s Bias Response and Referral Network. This network ensures that reported incidents are routed appropriately so that our teams can respond through the provision of supportive measures, investigation, educational coaching or other strategies.

We all play an essential role in cultivating a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and valued. I encourage each and every member of our University community to stand in firm opposition to every form of harassment, intimidation and bias.

With your commitment, cooperation and support, the University of Minnesota will continue to be a place where inclusivity is celebrated, and where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham
President