By Eli Bass, Director of Jewish Life
“The University’s history and heritage lead us to affirm the dignity and worth of all persons. Consequently, we must be vigilant to ensure that we do not exclude or marginalize individuals and groups because of such differences as gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social class, marital and parental status, disability, age, religion, gender identity or expression, geography, and national origin. As Susquehanna seeks to embody the rich diversity of the human community, we commit ourselves to the full participation of persons who represent the breadth of human differences,” says the Statement of Diversity and Inclusiveness from Susquehanna University (SU) board of trustees.
Part of our commitment as a university forces us to ask large questions around how to process and support those who are different from us. This Saturday marks the end of the high holidays as the Jewish community observes Yom Kippur. There are many moments that make it challenging to be a religious minority on a campus. The appearance of a swastika on Rosh Hashanah makes it clear that there are voices opposed to our university commitments, on campus. These moments of bigotry on campus should not be tolerated. Instead, they must be confronted and removed.
I’m deeply grateful to President Green, public safety and other staff and students across the university who had responded to both recognize the unacceptable nature of the swastika and have extended their support to Jewish and other affected students.
Susquehanna’s board of trustees statement is one of a visionary ideal instead of a current reality. I’m asking for your partnership to bring this vision. I believe in the power and goodness of our Susquehanna community. Having the Jewish holiday season, at the beginning of a school year is often challenging for our Jewish community who are typically deeply committed across campus. I believe that little actions help us to be the kind of community we should be. I want to point out a few actions, which help us move towards this vision.
I’d like to recognize the community members who spoke up when actions of hate have occurred on this campus. Each individual on campus deserves dignity. Communicating with public safety and administrators helps us to maintain a safe environment. For those who have spoken up, thank you!
Scheduling has been a critical issue for many of the Jewish students on campus. I know that campus activities continue to move throughout Jewish holidays. I know that Jewish students, like students of every religious and ethnic background are involved in every part of campus life. To departments, organizations, and individuals who worked to accommodate individual religious observances – thank you. Especially, thank you to those who changed schedules or adjusted them to support Jewish students. Thank you!
Sensitivity to minorities doesn’t just extend organizationally. It is also interpersonal. Checking in with friends and students you know goes a long way. It could be after a specific incident. It could also be that you saw a post about an approaching Jewish holiday and felt it was important to check in with your friend on the holiday. These moments go a long way. For those who were able to check in, thank you! For those who checked in with Jewish, LGBTQQ, and racial minority students after the swastikas occurred, thank you! Our ability to become more sensitive to the experiences of others is critical as we aspire to be a better community.
The Jewish holiday season is about looking at yourself and looking to improve in the coming year. When I reflect on the past year, I know there are many ways I can seek to improve and grow in how I support fostering the community I’d like at SU.
Two questions I’d encourage you to reflect on: How was I a good ally this past year? How do I seek to be better going forward?