University president condemns 'intimidation and harassment tactics'
Temple University said it is investigating a pro-Palestinian campus demonstration where "intimidation and harassment tactics" were used and people were "targeted" for their Jewish heritage on Thursday.
A Temple student told the campus newspaper they were called an antisemitic slur by a protester.
"A group of Temple University students were joined by non-Temple individuals as part of a demonstration on campus to protest the situation in Gaza," university president Richard M. Englert said in a statement.
"While the protest began at the Charles Library, some of the demonstrators migrated to The Rosen Center, the home of the Temple chapter of Hillel, an international organization that supports Jewish life on college campuses. While there, the demonstrators used megaphones to chant directly at the occupants within the building.
"We are deeply saddened and concerned by these events. Targeting a group of individuals because of their Jewish identity is not acceptable and intimidation and harassment tactics like those seen today will not be tolerated.
"Temple’s Division of Student Affairs is now actively investigating the incident. If students or student organizations are found to be involved, they will be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code."
Englert said the university "is committed to honoring the First Amendment and fostering an environment open to a diversity of thought, opinion and peaceful expression." The protest was peaceful and orderly at its start, according to his statement.
