NJ High School to Cut College Visits from Schools Not Ensuring Jewish Student Safety
Jewish High School in New Jersey Takes Stand for Jewish Students on College Campuses
A Jewish high school in New Jersey is making a bold move to protect its students. The Torah Academy of Bergen County has announced that it will only allow college visits from schools that have committed in writing to defend Jewish students on campus.
The school’s decision was shared by New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz, who posted a copy of the letter on Twitter. The letter states that colleges must provide a detailed plan of action to ensure the safety and security of Jewish students in the face of ongoing or escalating unrest before they can recruit students on campus.
Statement from a Jewish High School in NJ on allowing certain colleges to pitch their students. pic.twitter.com/kXYjnPsP3i
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) October 30, 2023
The letter emphasizes the importance of college leadership standing up against anti-Semitism and protecting Jewish students. It cites the rise in anti-Semitic threats and actions, particularly on college campuses, following terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians.
The Torah Academy of Bergen County is closely monitoring universities’ responses to these issues. The letter applauds leaders who have expressed their disappointment in university presidents for failing to ensure the safety of Jewish students.
However, the school goes a step further. Interested colleges must assure Jewish students of their safety on campus before scheduling recruitment visits.
“Before college representatives can enter our building, they must bring a statement from their university leadership detailing their plans to protect and maintain the safety and security of our graduates on their campuses as Jews,” the letter states. “We will continue to communicate our concerns about the hostile environment on their campuses based on the trends and incidents we are closely tracking.”
The letter concludes by stating that any school unwilling to meet these demands will not be welcome at the Torah Academy of Bergen County.
Rabbi Josh Kahn of TABC expressed gratitude for the support and the spread of the school’s letter on social media. Many are calling on other schools to follow suit.
Thank you for your support and for spreading this! https://t.co/ISJeDzd6IG
— Josh Kahn (@RabbiJoshKahn) October 30, 2023
What are the mixed reactions from the public regarding the school’s action to prioritize the safety of Jewish students?
M/kXYjnPsP3i
The decision by the Torah Academy of Bergen County comes in light of the increasing incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses across the United States. According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses nearly doubled from 2018 to 2019.
The school’s action has received mixed reactions from the public. Some applaud the school for taking a strong stance and prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students. They argue that with the rise in anti-Semitism, it is crucial for Jewish students to feel protected and supported when they go to college.
However, there are also those who criticize the move, claiming that it is unfair to single out colleges based on their commitment to Jewish student safety. They argue that all colleges should be encouraged to provide a safe environment for all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The Torah Academy of Bergen County is not the only Jewish high school to take such a stand. Other Jewish schools across the country have also implemented similar policies, recognizing the need to prioritize the well-being of their students in an increasingly hostile environment.
These schools believe that by only allowing college visits from institutions that have committed to protecting Jewish students, they are reinforcing the values of inclusivity and respect. They want to ensure that their students are not exposed to discrimination or hate while pursuing their higher education.
It is important to note that the Torah Academy of Bergen County’s decision does not mean that Jewish students will only attend colleges that meet these criteria. Rather, it serves as a precautionary measure to protect their students from potentially harmful or hostile environments. Students are still free to choose any college they desire, but the school wants to ensure that they are aware of the efforts made by their prospective colleges to uphold the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus.
The Torah Academy of Bergen County’s decision highlights the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism on college campuses and the need for proactive measures to address it. It sends a clear message that schools and institutions must take responsibility for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
As the debate over the school’s decision continues, it is a reminder of the importance of fostering a society that celebrates diversity and protects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background. It is crucial for institutions of higher education to actively address and combat discrimination, ensuring that every student can pursue their education without fear of prejudice or hostility.
In the face of rising anti-Semitism, it is heartening to see educational institutions like the Torah Academy of Bergen County take a stand for their students. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of their students, these schools are sending a powerful message against hate and discrimination. It is our hope that more institutions will follow suit, creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all students on college campuses.
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