Below is an AMCHA-organized coalition letter to the President of Cal Poly regarding a very discriminatory, anti-Zionist statement by the Black Student Union and other student groups on that campus, demanding an increase in student government funding for all cultural clubs, “with the exception of organizations that are aligned with Zionist ideology.” We are seeing an alarming rash of this kind of hateful targeting of Zionist student groups and individual students — including the proliferation of messages like “Zionists not welcome on our campus” — at schools across the country.
Best regards,
Tammi Rossman-Benjamin
The Amcha Initiative
“We want an increase in ASI funding for ALL cultural clubs, with the exception of organizations that are aligned with Zionist ideology.”
1. Review, update and diligently enforce campus policies and procedures to guarantee that all members of the campus community, irrespective of their opinions, beliefs or identity, are equitably and adequately protected from intolerant behavior that infringes on their freedom of expression and denies them equal rights.
2. Ensure that prompt and appropriate disciplinary measures are taken when any individual or group engages in behavior that suppresses the freedom of expression or civil rights of others.
3. Develop protocols for vetting the establishment and yearly renewal of university-approved student groups, to determine whether a specific campus group has engaged in the unlawful suppression of others’ freedom of speech or civil rights. Any whose members have repeatedly engaged in such behavior should be appropriately disciplined as per school procedures should the group fail to modify conduct that intentionally harms others on campus.
4. Develop educational and training programs that can:
· Help members of the campus community to recognize and avoid intolerant behavior that suppresses others’ freedom of expression or denies them equal rights, and to be aware of all campus policies and procedures regarding such behavior; and
· Teach and encourage the expression of a wide range of views in a productive and respectful manner.
5. While the above recommendations describe long-term and on-going efforts, one important step that can be implemented immediately is to issue a campus-wide statement assuring all students that they will be equally protected from peer-on-peer harassment that violates their rights to freedom of expression and full participation in campus life. To be effective, the statement should include a description of all University policies and state and federal laws that prohibit harassment and discrimination, along with a firm commitment to their equitable enforcement for all students, regardless of identity, opinion or legally protected status.
Thank you for your leadership and defense of the freedoms and rights of all Cal Poly students.
Sincerely,
Senator Benjamin Allen, Chair California Senate Standing Committee on Education
Assembly Member Jose Medina, Chair California Assembly Higher Education Committee
Assembly Member Shirley Weber, Chair Assembly Select Committee on Campus Climate
Assembly Member Mark Levine, Chair Jewish Legislative Caucus
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