UPDATE: Brian Clark, Brown University’s director of news and editorial development, told the Journal in an email that they “have no mechanism to independently verify the identities of the individuals with certainty.”
ORIGINAL:
Brown University issued a statement on August 3 condemning an anti-Semitic incident that took place on campus on July 31.
According to a notice from Brown University Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity Shontay Delalue, the incident involved two people who were not affiliated with the university “displaying a vulgar and highly offensive anti-Semitic sign, and attempting to engage members of our community in discussion.”
“While we welcome free expression, behavior that creates a hostile environment on campus is not tolerated,” Delalue wrote. “This includes expressions of hatred based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and any other protected classes. I and other members of Brown’s senior leadership — including the offices of the President, Provost and Campus Life — have been in close discussion to learn as much information as possible about this incident. We are saddened that some Brown community members and campus visitors had to witness such abhorrent behavior. “
Delalue added that the two individuals involved in the incident were told that they had to move their actions from campus – which is privately owned – to public property.
“The unfortunate reality is that hate speech activities that occur on the public city sidewalks and streets that intersect campus are beyond Brown’s control, but we will continue to offer resources and support to members of our campus community who are directly impacted as a result of hate speech,” Delalue wrote.
Delalue concluded her notice by announcing that the university will be establishing a call-in line to report bias incidents.
The university’s handling of the matter was praised by Jewish organizations.
TY @brownuniversity for taking this incident seriously and for your clear message condemning anti-semitism and all forms of hate on campus. https://t.co/DmnLqI5X4D
— ADL New England (@ADL_NewEngland) August 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/AJCongress/status/1025743261284134912
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Patrick Little, the neo-Nazi who ran for Senate in California and failed, is currently on a “Name the Jew” tour where he holds signs like “Jews Rape Kids” and attempts to spread anti-Semitic propaganda. One of the stops on his tour was Providence, RI – where Brown University is located – and he came on July 31, the same day as the incident occurred. It is not yet known if the incident that Delalue condemned involved Little.
As of publication time, Brown University has not responded to the Journal’s request for comment.
