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The University of Denver is investigating a spate of reported antisemitic incidents on campus over the last two weeks.
Denver University Hillel, a Jewish student organization, said in an Instagram post that mezuzahs, Jewish ritual objects traditionally placed on doorposts, were “taken down and defiled” from the doorposts of three students living in campus housing, and one student had “pork products glued to their door.”
University officials denounced the incidents.
“We want to be very clear that these acts are NOT acceptable within DU’s community, and acknowledge the harm that has been caused to members of our community,” Todd Adams, vice chancellor of student affairs and inclusive excellence, wrote in a message to the student body, released Tuesday.
Chancellor Jeremy Haefner shared an update Thursday saying that the University of Denver’s Campus Safety Department determined the incidents were hate crimes under the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to record and report crimes that happen on campus. The campus Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is also investigating the acts. The university plans to offer educational programming about antisemitism, and Haefner encouraged students to attend a Shabbat event co-hosted by Jewish student organizations and the university today “to come together and reaffirm our commitment to peace and to each other.”
“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,” Haefner wrote. “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.”
