Columbia Students, Faculty Rally Against Hate Crimes
A group of students and faculty at Columbia University's Teachers College joined together today to stand up against hate, following several incidents in the past month of anti-Semitism and racism at the school. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report.
Professor Elizabeth Midlarsky affixed a mezuzah to her office door Monday morning. The scroll serves as a declaration of the Jewish faith. "It's a wonderful thing that is being done today,” said Midlarsky. “I feel it is a real act of affirmation."
Just last week, the professor's door was found defaced with a spray-painted swastika. On three occasions in October, Midlarsky, who is a Holocaust researcher, found propaganda in her mailbox denying the Holocaust happened. In response, the Teachers College Jewish Association rallied outside the school Monday to send the message that such acts are unacceptable.
Just last week, the professor's door was found defaced with a spray-painted swastika. On three occasions in October, Midlarsky, who is a Holocaust researcher, found propaganda in her mailbox denying the Holocaust happened. In response, the Teachers College Jewish Association rallied outside the school Monday to send the message that such acts are unacceptable.
"We are working closely with the New York City Police and have every confidence that the investigation of this matter and other recent incidents is being conducted with the highest degree of thoroughness and professionalism,” said Teachers College President Susan Fuhrman.
Along those lines, the Teachers College has offered to host a prayer breakfast against hate on November 29th, part of a citywide day against hate declared by city lawmakers.
This article appeared in the November 5, 2007 edition of the NY News1.
Published Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007