Statements

Statements by the Executive Committee of the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies

On Antiracism and Social Justice:

The Executive Committee of the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies supports the antiracism and social justice work that is being done by the Association for Jewish Studies and many other institutions on and off the UT Campus. We are in the process of formulating a concrete plan of action that honors this commitment to antiracism and social justice by identifying concrete steps that will further this goal.

On Academic Boycotts:

In the spirit of openness and intellectual inquiry, the Schusterman Center does not support a boycott of Israel. The Center does support evidence-based research and academic freedom in the fullest sense of the word.  We do not evaluate outside speakers, affiliated faculty members, students, or members of the general public with regard to their political beliefs, affiliations, or positions.  The political positions of speakers, faculty members, students, and members of the general public are theirs alone and not those of the Center.  

On Antisemitism:

The Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies offers education, support, and acknowledgment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff at the University of Texas at Austin, many of whom have been directly impacted by antisemitic rhetoric and acts. Antisemitism is on the rise—in Austin, in Texas, and beyond. In October 2021, antisemitic banners were unfurled over a local highway, and swastikas were found graffitied at a local high school. In November, the foyer of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin was set on fire. In December of last year and January and February of this year, residents in Austin and Houston found antisemitic flyers in their mailboxes and on their driveways. And on January 15, 2022, an armed terrorist took hostages in Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas because he believed that Jews control the government. These acts targeted Jews specifically. The most recent FBI Hate Crime report (2019) found that though Jews are only 2% of the US population, they are the victims of 60% of religion-based hate crimes. These statistics chart starkly the everyday experience of Jews in our city and on our campus. The recent acts of antisemitism in Austin, in Texas, in the United States, and throughout the world are a reminder of the vital importance of the mission of the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies to promote a deeper understanding of Jewish cultures and histories—and of the antisemitism, racism, and xenophobic hatred that continues to impact our city, state, country, and world. As a safe and supportive space for Jewish students, faculty, and staff at UT, the Schusterman Center acknowledges their lived experience of antisemitism as well as the long history that feeds it. We loudly and clearly denounce antisemitism. (Issued Friday, February 18, 2022)