An Update on Anti-Semitic Vandalism at DU
As we shared earlier this week, there have been three deeply disturbing anti-Semitic incidents on campus in the past week. I am profoundly troubled by this behavior. Anti-Semitism is wrong, dehumanizing, and against so many values DU stands for. It has no place in this community or any other. The University shares the outrage of our community and extends its support to those targeted by these acts and to our larger Jewish community. We stand with you against hate, now and always.
I would like to share an update on the University’s response. The University of Denver’s Campus Safety Department has determined that all three acts, which occurred in DU’s student housing, will be counted as hate crimes in the annual Clery Act statistics. The Clery Act requires the University to record and report the number of various crimes, including hate crimes, occurring on campus.
In addition, DU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EOIX) is pursuing an investigation of these incidents, including a thorough review of video footage from campus safety. As they expeditiously move through this investigation, EOIX will work alongside the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which oversees student conduct cases, and take appropriate steps to address the conduct and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions. These offices have also reached out to affected individuals to provide support and resources. I encourage anyone with information about these incidents to contact EOIX at equalopportunity@du.edu.
To that same end, the Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence are organizing educational programming focused on anti-Semitism. This programming will be made available for the entire community to come together to better understand the history of anti-Semitism and the terrible impact it has had on the Jewish community and the world.
I also invite the DU community to attend the ‘Jewnity Shabbat Hop’ event co-hosted by Hillel, Chabad, and DU this Friday beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Grand Forum in the Community Commons. More information can be found here. This will offer our community the chance to come together and reaffirm our commitment to peace and to each other. Resources can also be found at the bottom of this message. Please do reach out. There is support here for you.
In the wake of moments like these—moments that shake a community’s trust—the effects are deeply felt by those who share the identity of those targeted. It is also felt by those who know and love those individuals and by everyone working each day for a better, kinder world. Let us cling firmly not only to our ideals but also to the knowledge that this moment does not reflect who we are or who we want to be.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor
Support Resources
- Hillel of Colorado at DU and Chabad@DU provide support and resources for the Jewish community and Jewish students at DU. They also partner with allies and supporters of the Jewish community.
- Student Outreach & Support (SOS) in the Dean of Students Office helps students connect to support resources, develop a plan of action to meet their goals, and navigate challenging situations.
- Health and Counseling Center (HCC) provides quality physical and mental health care services to all actively enrolled DU students.
- The MySSP App provides 24/7 confidential support on your phone with access to counselors who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Spanish, and English. Other languages may be available by appointment based on availability.
- Faculty and staff can find support through the Faculty and Staff Support Network and the Employee Assistance Program.