wendy raymond pro israel zionism wahoo
this was sent today to all members of the community why is zionism next to being jewish what is this entailing why is she doing this is this really haverfordian discuss
Dear Members of the Haverford Community:
Today, the College and The Deborah Project announced that they have reached an agreement to resolve the litigation asserted against the College by certain members of Haverford’s Jewish community. As part of its settlement with members of the Jewish community at Haverford, the College wishes to make clear its commitment to the following principles:
All students including those who identify as Jewish, and/or Israeli, and those who support Zionism: that is, the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and statehood in the land of Israel, are welcome and enjoy equal access to the College and all of its educational programs and activities.
Harassing, excluding, or seeking to silence Jewish community members on the basis of their beliefs, their commitment to Jewish observance, or any other element of their Jewish identity, including Zionism, is anathema to the College’s core principles of trust, concern, and respect. This extends to our classrooms, offices, and student-led organizations and activities, and it includes all employees (faculty, staff and administrators), and students.
Acts of discrimination, harassment, and bias against students who identify as Jewish, and/or Israeli, and those who support Zionism, the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and statehood in the land of Israel, violate College policy and are antithetical to Haverford’s mission, values, and standards. The College is committed to addressing these concerns in a manner consistent with our policies and values. Those found to have engaged in such acts of discrimination, harassment or bias will be subjected to disciplinary action consistent with the College’s policies and consistent with the College’s response to discrimination, harassment or bias against any other group or individual.
Because of these basic principles, no Haverford professor may discriminate against any student, or any other member of the Haverford community, on the basis of that person’s commitment to Judaism, Israel or Zionism, and the College will not tolerate any faculty or staff member refusing to support or engage with a student on the basis of such commitments or treating a student differently on the basis of such commitments.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge that those members of our community with a commitment to the state of Israel as the Jewish Homeland have been deeply hurt by events that have transpired on our campus since October 7, 2023, and that that constitutes a failure on our part. We commit ourselves to doing better going forward.
In a community of learning, we may vehemently disagree with one another about the policies and actions of governments, but it is never acceptable to let those disagreements descend into the realm of discrimination, harassment, or bias. All members of the Haverford community who wish to express their considered perspectives must do so respectfully while allowing others to do the same. All breaches of this principle of civility and respect are contrary to Haverford’s values. When the acts or statements of any member of the Haverford Community reaches the level of discrimination, harassment or bias, they will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the College’s policies.
Federal and state laws provide a legal framework for a standard of conduct; however, we aspire not only to fulfill those mandates, but also to live up to our Haverfordian values and principles. It is our shared responsibility to create and maintain a community of belonging for all, where we each contribute to a learning environment and culture in which every person can thrive. Haverford College commits itself to ensuring such a future.
Sincerely,
Wendy Raymond
President