Kevin Feigelis, a Ph.D. student at Stanford University, testified before Congress about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. He compared anti-Israel protesters on campus to children misbehaving and the school to parents failing to discipline them. Feigelis stated that demonstrators have disrupted classes and some professors and teaching assistants have encouraged students to join demonstrations. He criticized the university leadership for failing to discipline the protesters and hold them accountable for their actions.
Recently, Stanford and other universities have witnessed anti-Israel protests opposing Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Feigelis spoke about the antisemitism he has experienced on campus before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, describing the environment as a “wasteland of hatred” where every interaction is a potential minefield. He mentioned incidents where protesters wore Hamas headbands, leading to concerns among Jewish students. The school has reported such incidents to the FBI, which has declined to comment on the matter.
In response to antisemitism, Feigelis set up the Blue and White Tent, a pro-Israel encampment near campus. He mentioned instances of vandalism, anti-Israel graffiti, and Jewish students being verbally harassed. Feigelis expressed frustration at the lack of support from the university and the challenges faced by Jewish students on campus. Despite this, school officials have stated that Stanford has remained relatively peaceful physically compared to other schools facing similar issues. President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez emphasized that overnight camping on campus violates school policy and could result in disciplinary action, including suspension.
The university administration has warned students about the consequences of violating school policies and the possibility of suspension for those involved in the encampment. The Office of Community Standards (OCS) is handling disciplinary cases, providing students with due process in resolving their situations. Students facing disciplinary actions may have their diplomas withheld while their cases are being processed. Saller and Martinez highlighted alternative channels for students to express their ideas without resorting to policy violations. This proactive approach aims to address the disruptive behavior on campus and uphold the university’s standards of conduct.
Despite the challenges faced by Jewish students and pro-Israel advocates at Stanford, efforts are being made to address the issue of antisemitism on campus. Feigelis’ testimony and actions have brought attention to the discrimination and hostility experienced by those who support Israel. By speaking out against anti-Israel protesters and advocating for accountability from the university leadership, Feigelis is working to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Jewish students and the campus community as a whole. The ongoing dialogue and disciplinary measures aim to promote respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all members of the university community.
