From President Frank H. Wu and Jenna Citron Schwab, Executive Director, Queens College Hillel:

We are writing together to unequivocally reaffirm that antisemitism in all its insidious forms is not tolerated at Queens College. We expressly condemn antisemitism as antithetical to the values of this great institution. In particular, we denounce the recent abhorrent antisemitic graffiti and are fully cooperating with the NYPD investigation and are working to strengthen security measures. We are sharing a collaborative action program that is being implemented to combat antisemitism at Queens College.  

 We are working together on the following actions to promote Jewish life and combat antisemitism on campus:

  1. Consistent with Queens College’s membership in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI), a working group will be formed after the completion of CCI’s policy review, student surveying, and student focus groups. This working group will actively work to address antisemitism. The QC CCI team is currently surveying students and plans to conduct focus groups in April and May to assess the climate on campus. 

  2. To enhance collaboration and camaraderie among users of the shared space on the second floor of the Student Union, we will create an advisory group composed of the lead professionals on the floor. This group will offer recommendations to the college administration regarding the use of the space and regarding ways to foster connections among students, recognizing their commonalities in values, interests, aspirations, and dreams for the future.

  3. We are working together on increased security measures on the second floor of the Student Union and, in collaboration with Public Safety, will augment safety protocols for campus events.

  4. The Office of Compliance and Diversity is committed to implementing workshops led by its investigators to help further communicate the process of reporting and investigating complaints of discrimination, including harassment based on national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics, which includes antisemitism. 

  5. The Office of Compliance and Diversity will promote the college’s anti-bias training program, which includes antisemitism training for administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders. Strong participation will be widely promoted.

  6. We encourage community members to file a report about harassment and/or discrimination they may experience via the University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting System or by contacting the Office of Compliance and Diversity (718-997-5888 or complianceanddiversity@qc.cuny.edu) or the Office of Public Safety at 718-997-5912. College staff will facilitate the filing of the report.

  7. We continue to work together to ensure that a kosher food establishment is part of food service operations scheduled to launch in Fall 2024.

 This action plan both recognizes the concerns and needs expressed by members of the college community and establishes a responsive program to strengthen respect and collaboration throughout the college community. This is a work in progress with opportunities ahead for continued input.