To the Editor,
For those who might think the Trump administration is genuinely committed to tackling antisemitism on college campuses, it’s crucial to remember a significant moment in 2017. During the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where chants of “Jews will not replace us” echoed through the air, President Trump infamously noted that there were “some very fine people on both sides.”
This apparent initiative to combat antisemitism is actually a façade, as highlighted in “Trump court action accuses UCLA of trying to ‘evade responsibility’ for alleged antisemitism” from March 18. It seems more like an attempt to restrict freedom of speech on campuses and a strategic move to halt federal funding to universities, often based on flimsy grounds.
UCLA’s former chancellor, who is Jewish, as well as Jewish professors at the institution, strongly oppose this misleading and harmful policy. They view it as an attack on the democratic principles of free speech and peaceful demonstration, essentially an attempt to monitor university activities. This seems like a clear breach of constitutional rights, misrepresented as an effort against antisemitism.
Richard Z. Fond, Sherman Oaks
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To the Editor,
If the Trump administration has one thing to its credit, it’s pushing the issue of antisemitism on college campuses into the spotlight. Many colleges seemed to ignore the problem until the administration intervened. The LA Times reported that UCLA staff were involved in setting up barriers during campus incidents. These staff members are state employees and should not be participating in such disruptions.
Neil Snow, Manhattan Beach
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To the Editor,
As a Jewish American with a father who fought against the Nazis, I take any instance of antisemitism very seriously, whether it appears in groups like Hamas or in certain parts of the American pro-Palestinian movement. However, I cannot support Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive military actions, nor can I endorse the U.S. administration’s use of antisemitism as a pretext to defund Columbia University and other institutions that openly criticize Trump and his political allies.
Alan Schuchman, Los Angeles
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To the Editor,
Trump’s lack of tolerance has inevitably led us down a dangerous road, especially impacting college campuses that are vital arenas for addressing antisemitism and other pressing issues. Such discussions naturally bring about heated exchanges, but they are essential components of growth and understanding, leading to wisdom, compromise, and peace. My heart goes out to my colleagues in academia who face such overwhelming ignorance from so-called leaders. It’s distressing to witness.
Vance Peterson, Altadena
