Friday, March, 25th, 2022 Speeches and Messages
As we have stated in the past, the university rejects the BDS movement, elements of which we believe are rooted in antisemitism. We strongly oppose this renewed campaign at Tufts. It is particularly disappointing that the Students for Justice in Palestine have chosen to ask fellow students to boycott not just companies but other student groups on campus.
As an educational institution, we must encourage honest and open debate about difficult issues, including those in the Middle East. Students for Justice in Palestine have an important role to play in these discussions. However, their most recent campaign is divisive and harmful. It doesn’t help foster important conversations – rather, it shuts them down while ostracizing fellow students.
President Monaco has reached out to the student leaders of the organizations targeted by SJP. Along with other members of the university’s senior leadership, he will be meeting with them soon to offer them support, listen to their concerns, and connect them with resources on campus.
Unfortunately, the tensions we’re seeing at Tufts are playing out across campuses nationwide. In response, over the past year and with the support of the Board of Trustees, we have implemented initiatives to promote awareness, education, and elimination of antisemitism. We are working with external experts to conduct trainings, and we have elevated conversations about awareness, education, and prevention of antisemitism.