Message Regarding University Professor’s Email

A Message from Tilly Regarding University Professor’s Email
September 17, 2018

You may be aware of the issue regarding a University professor’s refusal to offer a letter of recommendation to a student applying to an Israeli university. Our Hillel has been actively engaged on this issue with the Provost’s Office and other University leadership. Like many of you, we expect to hear the University strongly condemn this action and uphold the academic values of the institution by supporting all of our students’ rights to the education they choose. This professor’s decision is antithetical to the academic values of our University. A professor’s political views should not factor into any student’s access to learn, including studying in Israel.

We appreciate the University’s serious attention to this matter at its highest levels, and support for the student involved. For us, the bottom line is our students and their campus experience. We are making ourselves available to our students as a supportive resource, and are actively engaging with our student leaders on how best to advocate and educate on this issue among our campus community.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. Thank you, as always, for your support.

Warmly,

Tilly Shames Executive Director

Bob Stone Chair, Board of Trustees

Kendall Coden (’19) Chair, Governing Board