Lesley U.: we responded swiftly to swastikas
June 13, 2018
The Jewish Advocate, in its piece “Hate crime mars Lesley commencement” (May 25, p. 1), mischaracterized the university’s response to an incident of anti-Semitic symbols and imagery on campus. This misrepresentation was then reinforced in an inaccurate editorial, “Who cares about anti-Semitism at Lesley University?” (June 6, p. 6)
Lesley responded swiftly to the May 13 incident with an immediate and thorough investigation, a message from the president to our community the following day, and continued outreach and support for our students and community. We continue to collaborate with the Anti-Defamation League and to work cooperatively with the Cambridge Police Department.
It is unfortunate that the Advocate misrepresented our response and declined to include any of the details we outlined for the reporter. As president, I stated publicly the day after the incident that acts of hatred impact us all and have no place in our community or a civil society, and Lesley will not tolerate them.
JEFF A WEISS
President
Lesley University
ADL: we engaged with all parties over swastikas
June 13, 2018
The editorial, “Who cares about anti-Semitism at Lesley University?” (June 6, p. 6) contains numerous false accusations and erroneous judgments. The conclusion that the Anti-Defamation League and Lesley University are ignoring anti-Semitism on campus is not only misleading, but patently false.
Lesley University immediately launched an investigation and notified the community, sending a clear and unequivocal message that acts of anti-Semitism and hate have no place on their campus. The university’s prompt public response and decision to work with ADL is reflective of their commitment to address this incident in a transparent manner. Law enforcement similarly treated the incident as a priority. ADL has been engaged with administrators, investigators and the families of those impacted from the outset. We are providing expertise and resources, as well as exploring ways to work collaboratively to address the incident and foster an atmosphere of inclusion at the university.
There should be no doubt that ADL takes each report of anti-Semitism and hate very seriously, be it at Lesley University or any other university or town in New England.
ROBERT O. TRESTAN
Regional director, ADL New England