Dear Undergraduate Students,
We write with shock and anger to share the below message regarding a deplorable act of antisemitism that took place at one of our affiliate professional schools, Teachers College.
In light of the recent tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Baraboo, Wisconsin high school prom photo as well as other recent events, we are deeply troubled by the rise of hate speech and crimes against the Jewish community.
Together with University leadership, we stand firmly against all acts of violence and discrimination on Columbia’s campus. Our community will not waver in its support for those of any faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background or identity.
We understand this may be a difficult time for you and your classmates. Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your school's support network or to utilize the resources listed in the University Life message.
We encourage you to take care of yourself, to talk to friends and family who bring you comfort and to hope and strive for peace in our communities.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Boyce
Dean of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean of the School of General Studies
James J. Valentini
Dean of Columbia College and
Vice President for Undergraduate Education
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Denouncing Anti-Semitism and Supporting Our Community
A Jewish faculty member’s office at Teachers College was vandalized yesterday afternoon with swastikas and an antisemitic slur spray-painted on her office walls. The University strongly denounces this antisemitic act that seeks to create fear and to intimidate members of our community.
In light of last month's horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and this hateful act closer to home, Jewish students and others in our community may be feeling especially vulnerable right now. Please know that there are a number of University-wide resources that we encourage students to use for support:
Morningside Campus: Counseling and Psychological Services - 212-854-2878
http://health.columbia.edu
Medical Center Campus: Mental Health Services - 212-305-3400
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/student-health
The Office of the University Chaplain offers faith-based support and spiritual counseling - 212-854-1493
http://ouc.columbia.edu
Columbia Barnard Hillel - Kraft Center for Jewish Life – 212-854-5111
http://columbiabarnardhillel.org/about/staff
If you have a safety concern or want to report a potential bias incident on campus, Columbia University Public Safety is available:
Morningside Campus – 212-854-5555
Medical Center Campus – 212-305-7979
http://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/report-crime
Please don't hesitate to contact your dean of students, any of the above resources, or the Office of University Life (universitylife@columbia.edu). Below is a message from Teachers College President Thomas Bailey.
With care, support and respect for our community,
Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life
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Regarding Anti Semitic Vandalism
To the TC Community:
As you may already have heard, the office of a Teachers College faculty member has been defaced with swastikas.
We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society. We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community.
Please rest assured that we are working with police to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act. I also want to reaffirm the College’s commitment – and my own – to providing a respectful and welcoming environment for all, and to protecting the safety and dignity of all members of our community.
Thomas Bailey
President