Correspondence

By JEWISH REVIEW

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To the Jewish Community 
in Greater Portland:

You may be aware of recent media reports about a deeply troubling incident at Lewis and Clark College.


Swastikas were found in a campus library restroom on Sept. 25, two nights before Yom Kippur. I wanted to follow up with details about steps we are taking to address hate speech on our campus and to reinforce our commitment to promoting cultural diversity, tolerance and mutual respect at the college.


In an open forum for the campus community held after the graffiti was found, students, faculty and staff expressed the need to develop a higher level of awareness and comfort in addressing matters of difference.


As a result, we are planning events—in residence halls and at the student center—to foster open dialog about difference and help deter speech that degrades an individual or group.


While the offender in this incident has not been identified, Lewis and Clark is developing new policies and procedures to address discrimination and hate speech so that we are better prepared to act swiftly and judiciously in response to such events in the future.


My colleagues and I have greatly appreciated the guidance and support we have received from leaders in the Jewish community whom we have contacted about this very troubling incident.


Hilary Bernstein, of the regional Anti-Defamation League, and Charlie Schiffman and Robert Horenstein, both of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, have all helped us think through our response and have assured us we are on the right track.


Finally, Adjunct Jewish Chaplain Jonathan Seidel and Rachel Hall, executive director of the Greater Portland Hillel, have been invaluable resources to the college at large and to Jewish members of our community in particular in the aftermath of this regrettable occurrence.


As I wrote to our students, faculty and staff, I am confident that, together, we will identify clear policies and build greater understanding for addressing discriminatory acts born out of ignorance, fear or hate. I welcome your thoughts and ideas moving forward and greatly appreciate your support.



Jane Monnig Atkinson
Interim President
Lewis and Clark College