New York, NY, April 5, 2019 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) issued the following statement today regarding Emory University's response to mock eviction notices being placed on dormitory doors of Jewish students:
We are deeply disappointed by Emory University’s slow and inadequate response to the offensive mock eviction notices that were placed on students’ dorm room doors.
At this juncture, we know that some of the eviction notices were placed on dormitory doors that had mezuzahs. Posting fliers on dorm doors violates university policy. Yet, Emory’s response minimized the true harm of the violation.
While we appreciate that President Sterk condemned hate on campus, this was a discrete incident that clearly impacted Jewish students and the Jewish community. It should have been treated as such.
Three days after the incident, critical questions remain unanswered: Were Jewish students’ doors specifically targeted? Were other areas where Jewish students reside targeted? Why did the university approve this flier? Did university officials approve the mock eviction notices with the knowledge that they would be posted on dorm room doors?
The university must take meaningful action to prioritize safety and security for all students, especially in this moment when Jewish students are feeling isolated, threatened and unsafe. They must make assurances that just as there is no place for hate on campus, there is no place for anti-Semitism on campus.