ADL Letter to the LA Times

  • November 16, 2018

Re: “The controversial Students for Justice in Palestine conference will go on at UCLA. Here’s why,” (Nov. 12).


Chancellor Gene D. Block should be commended for his clear condemnation of anti-Semitism and bigotry at UCLA and his defense of free speech. We, too, believe it is vital that the principles of free speech and academic freedom be preserved so that UCLA can fulfill its function as a thriving marketplace of ideas.

There’s plenty of reason for concern.  Previous conferences held by Students for Justice in Palestine at San Diego State University, Tufts, and University of Houston created an atmosphere of alienation and hostility for Jewish and pro-Israel students on campus. This group often employs confrontational tactics such as mock eviction notices, die-ins, and mock checkpoints that leave Jewish students feeling intimidated or harassed.

This next event could have a serious impact on the campus climate at UCLA and on the safety and security of Jewish students.  We hope the UCLA administration will continue to take steps to ensure that the Jewish students, and all UCLA communities, are treated with respect, free from vilification and harassment.

Sincerely,

Amanda Susskind, Regional Director

ADL Los Angeles