The following message reaffirming Drexel’s unwavering commitment to inclusiveness and tolerance was sent to the University community.
Dear Members of the Drexel Community:
As a university community built around the advancement of knowledge, we encourage free speech and robust dialogue. We will never tolerate antisemitism, racism, harassment or violence of any kind and are deeply troubled to report two incidents of vandalism at Caneris Hall in which swastikas were etched into a hand sanitizer dispenser and an elevator wall. This symbol of hate has no place in our community or anywhere on our campus.
Both images have been removed. Drexel Police were informed, and in coordination with the Office of Equality and Diversity, DUPD and OED are conducting an investigation. Anyone with information about the incident, or who would like additional resources around its impact, should contact oed@drexel.edu, in addition to Drexel’s Residence Life staff.
We strive to create campus settings for students based on inclusion, learning and integrity, where all students are encouraged to celebrate themselves and others. As world events stir emotions and rigorous political debate, this is a particularly important time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to inclusiveness and respectful engagement across differences on our campus.
Our responsibility as members of the Drexel community is to support one another and work to prevent antisemitism, bias or any acts of hate.
This latest incident is deeply disturbing for all of us, and especially for Drexel’s Jewish community members who feel a sense of heightened anxiety and insecurity when symbols of antisemitism are displayed. Drexel Hillel and Drexel Chabad are available to address your concerns regarding this issue, and the University has a number of other resources to help. They include the following:
- Office of Counseling and Health Services – The Counseling Center remains available to meet with students that would like the support of speaking with a counselor. Appointments are available Monday–Friday by contacting counseling@drexel.edu.
- Spiritual and Religious Life – The University hosts several spiritual and religious leaders that are available to meet with students in need of pastoral care. Contact information can be found here.
- Office of Equality and Diversity – If you need to report an incident of discrimination and/or harassment, please contact the Office of Equality and Diversity at oed@drexel.edu or make a report through the online portal.
Our University is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and healthy educational and work environment based upon mutual trust and respect. We are a community of students, faculty and professional staff of all nationalities, races and religious beliefs, coming to Drexel from across the country and around the world. Diverse backgrounds and life experiences enrich classroom discussions and helps us all learn from one another. The posting of any hate symbol, whether as a malicious act or done out of blatant ignorance, is unacceptable and incompatible with the ethos of our University.
Sincerely,
Subir Sahu, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Success
Kim Gholston
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer