Campus anti-Semitism is now especially troubling in light of the violent attack this week on Michigan State University student Zachary Tennen, apparently by neo-Nazi thugs. Tennen reportedly has required surgery to repair his jaw after being knocked unconscious on Sunday morning. Immediately before the attack, the perpetrators had asked Tennen if he was Jewish and uttered the Nazi salute, "Heil Hitler." The Brandeis Center condemns this attack and observes that it underscores the need for authorities to act more forcefully to combat campus anti-Semitism.
The Brandeis Center noted the timeliness of the California resolution and also praised its emphasis on the definition of anti-Semitism. President Marcus explained, "Too many university administrators still do not understand the meaning of anti-Semitism. The Brandeis Center has long recommended adoption of the EUMC Working Definition as a means of distinguishing between campus anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israel. We are pleased that the California Assembly is now officially on record supporting our recommendation.". Marcus noted that this recommendation is also contained in the important pending report of the University of California's Campus Climate committee. "This provides yet another reason why University of California President Mark Yudoff should promptly adopt the Climate Committee's report and recommendation," Marcus added.
About the Louis D. Brandeis Center and Campus Anti-Semitism
Hon. Kenneth L. Marcus, former Staff Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, founded the Louis D. Brandeis Center, or LDB, as an independent, nonprofit Jewish civil rights organization to combat campus anti-Semitism. The Brandeis Center is not affiliated with any of the other institutions which share the name and honor the memory of the late Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Contributions to the Brandeis Center are tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3).