Chancellor Rich Lyons addressed allegations of inadequate confrontation of antisemitism at UC Berkeley during a House Committee hearing. He stated the university unequivocally condemns antisemitism and remains committed to its Jewish community. The discourse around pro-Palestinian demonstrations and academic appointments, particularly regarding Ussama Makdisi, has garnered national scrutiny. Lyons acknowledged the challenges faced in addressing these tensions while asserting the university's uniform application of expression regulations. He emphasized the importance of a response that deters violence and encourages respectful discourse.
Berkeley unequivocally condemns antisemitism. Our commitment to our Jewish students, colleagues and community is unwavering. However, we have more work to do regarding this troubling issue.
The university has struggled to navigate the tensions following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Like the nation, we are not immune to the rise in antisemitism.
Professor Makdisi is a fine scholar, awarded his position based on academic standards. Any call to violence or repeat of the horrific violence of October 7 is objectionable.
Lawmakers criticized Berkeley's response to campus encampments, but our enforcement of 'time, place and manner' restrictions aims to ensure that expression is uniform across the campus.
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