Free speech and the respectful exchange of ideas in the classroom as well as in peaceful public protests are fundamental to a college education. What is happening at UC Irvine today is not that.

We are seeing alarming levels of threats and intimidation targeting Jewish students. As the White House recently said, antisemitism on our campuses must not be tolerated — by Jews, by Americans, and by anyone who values American ideals.

These protests and the ongoing encampment which started on April 29 are disrupting the basic functioning of the university and depriving students of the ability to attend classes, prepare for finals and otherwise access critical areas on campus. And, as we look ahead to the graduation ceremonies scheduled to take place, students and parents — from all backgrounds — worry that this cherished milestone will be ruined.

It’s time for Chancellor Gillman and the UCI administration to step up and take action. We, the undersigned, call on the UCI administration to: 

• Take immediate action to remove the encampment. The safety and well-being of our students must be our top priority, and we cannot afford to compromise on this fundamental principle.
• Enforce your rules and campus codes of conduct to actively prevent threats, violence, and vandalism. Take the necessary steps to prevent or end unlawful building occupations and encampments.
• Stop harassment, intimidation, and threats directed at Jewish and Israeli students. No student should EVER feel targeted on their own campus because of who they are or what they believe.
• Hold classes as scheduled, in assigned classrooms, and prevent faculty from canceling classes or moving them to encampments. The primary purpose of colleges and universities is for teaching and learning. No student should have to sacrifice their education because of the demands of protestors.
• Make it clear that the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement that singles out the world’s only Jewish state for demonization and delegitimization has no place on our campus. 
• Prepare for graduation and commencement ceremonies so that these milestone lifecycle events are not canceled or disrupted. 
• Invest in a healthier campus environment that prioritizes, holds space for, and builds students’ skills to have difficult conversations and be in conversation across different views and identities. 

About OC Hillel: The Hillel Foundation of Orange County seeks to enrich the lives of Jewish students at the Orange County colleges and universities so that they will enrich the lives of Jewish people around the world.

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