Community Message on Antisemitism and Islamophobia

Statement of Understanding

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) continues to receive outreach from community members expressing feelings of fear and concern in the wake of increased antisemitism and Islamophobia as a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We hear you and want to be clear that the Office of DEIB condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, all forms of racism, and xenophobia.
 
President Biden has recently announced national strategies to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. In the upcoming days, the White House, the Department of Education (DOE), the Department of (DOJ), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue formal guidelines and actions addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses. 

In response to these announcements, we have received concerns from community members regarding law enforcement's significant role in these strategies. We acknowledge these concerns and the genuine fear that many individuals from marginalized communities may feel as it relates to increased engagement with law enforcement. Further, we must highlight the potential for these strategies to inadvertently reinforce stereotypes in ways that may exacerbate this conflict. It is essential to prevent the false conflation of individuals, based on their Jewish, Islamic and/or Arab identity, with hatred and/or violence.
 
At this time, the nation's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is also working on updating its discrimination complaint language so that it includes antisemitism and Islamophobia. If you experience or witness discrimination of any kind on KU’s campus, do not hesitate to report the incident to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.

Below is a list of organizations that offer opportunities for education, support, and outreach that counter antisemitism and Islamophobia respectively. We will continue to work with our campus partners to provide support and care resources for all Jayhawks who are impacted by this international crisis.

We encourage all members of the Jayhawk community to strive for respectful and compassionate engagement with one another in accordance with our KU values and, for university employees, our Code of Ethical Conduct. Let us work together to promote unity and stand against hatred in all its forms. 
 

Definitions of Terms

Antisemitism

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance utilizes a non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

Islamophobia

According to a 2011 Gallup report, Islamophobia is an exaggerated fear, hatred, and hostility toward Islam and Muslims that is perpetuated by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination, and the marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from social, political, and civic life.

Resources

Please remember that if you or someone is at imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact KU Public Safety or dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergency response.

Combatting Antisemitism 

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a leading organization in the fight against antisemitism. They provide educational resources, research, and advocacy to combat hatred and discrimination.

Simon Wiesenthal Center focuses on promoting tolerance and confronting antisemitism through various initiatives, including educational programs and the Museum of Tolerance.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers educational resources and exhibits to remember the Holocaust and teach about the consequences of hate and intolerance. 

Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRCs): These are local organizations across the United States that work to combat antisemitism and promote social justice. Kansas City is unique in that the organization is JCRC and ACJ (American Jewish Committee).

Combating Islamophobia

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, working to combat Islamophobia and discrimination.

Muslim Advocates organization focuses on legal advocacy, education, and outreach to protect the rights of American Muslims and combat Islamophobia.

Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) conducts research and provides data-driven insights to counter stereotypes and misconceptions about American Muslims.

Shoulder to Shoulder is an interfaith coalition dedicated to ending anti-Muslim sentiment by working in solidarity with various religious and secular groups. 
 

Wellness

Mental Health Resource List of campus and community resources that can help you access free or low-cost mental health care.

CARE Coordinator's primary role is to provide institutional support for students who have been impacted by interpersonal violence. All CARE Coordinator services are free, confidential and optional.

Reflection spaces are available across our campus should anyone need space to process these tragic events or find themselves triggered by campus conversation during the work or study experiences during the day.

For KU faculty and staff, mental wellness resources are available through The State Employee Health Plan's Employee Assistance Program at no charge for benefits-eligible employees and their dependents.

Reporting

Formal reporting through The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX can investigate incidents of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation plus help you get the support you need from other campus resources.

Informal reporting through The Ombuds Office can provide you with a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent office on campus to discuss issues you may be facing as a student, staff, or faculty member.

Additional resources for reporting and support can be found on DEIB's Get Support webpage dedicated to helping all Jayhawks get the support they need.