Anti-Semitism On Campus Gets Real

Usually university officials go into overdrive to solve a reported hate crime. Apparently they become more deliberate when the alleged victim is a Jewish student.

“On Thursday, the UC Irvine Office of Student Conduct announced that it had concluded a three-month investigation into an aggressive and disruptive incident on the UCI campus last May,” the Louis D. Brandeis Center reported on August 22, 2016.  “The  incident involved an anti-Israel mob that disrupted a small event held by a Jewish student group on campus.”

“The angry mob of about 50 students blocked the entrances and exits while loudly chanting angry, anti-Israel, anti-police, and pro-Palestinian sentiments that promoted violence, anti-Semitism, and hate.  One Jewish student, Eliana Kopley, attempted to get away, but was chased and hounded by members of the angry mob, forcing her to hide in a kitchen while a UCI staff member protected her.”

The Brandeis Center  represents Ms. Kopley, a student at the University of California at Irvine.

“According to last week’s announcement, the student group Students for Justice in Palestine (‘SJP’) is responsible for violation of the UCI Code of Conduct’s provision prohibiting ‘Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities,’” the Brandeis Center reports.  “As for sanctions, SJP was issued a written warning, effective immediately and continuing until March 29, 2017.”

“SJP must also host an educational program by November 18, 2016.” LDB President and General Counsel Kenneth L. Marcus stated, “I am disappointed in the outcome, which fails to hold SJP accountable for the harassment and physical intimidation of Eliana Kopley – or to even acknowledge that anything happened to her that night.”

Photo by Stephen D. Melkisethian

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