Following an anti-Semitic incident at Occidental College, ADL was called in to help students, faculty and administration understand hate crimes, hate incidents, anti-Semitism and the importance of an inclusive, welcoming college community. A swastika had been drawn on a white board on the dorm door of a Jewish student.
ADL Associate Regional Director Ariella Schusterman presented Not on Our Campus: Tools and Strategies for Addressing Bias-Motivated Incidents and Hate Crimes on November 21. This power point and discussion also focused on anti-Semitism and the origins and meaning of the swastika.
The presentation included ADL’s Centennial video, Imagine, and highlighted its association with the ultimate expressions of hate.
Dean Jorge Gonzalez, VP for Academic Affairs, made it clear in his welcoming remarks that the school administration understands the impact of message crimes. Dean Gonzalez stated, “When one member of our community is attached, we are all attacked.”
Hillel students were clearly shaken by this incident and appreciated the support from ADL. ADL has provided resources to the school and other programs with Occidental College are planned for the future