On April 7, 2021, the ASI Board of Directors passed a resolution to officially define and condemn antisemitic acts, calling upon Cal Poly administration to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The IHRA defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”.[1]
In addition to this call to adopt the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, the resolution also includes an absolute condemnation of all acts of racism, bigotry, and violence against the Jewish community, both on- and off-campus, stating that the Board of Directors stands by the Jewish community and condemns all acts of racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination against all members of the Cal Poly student body. With its passage, the resolution was sent to University President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, Dean of Students Dr. Joy Pederson, and Interim Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Denise Isom.
Member of the Board, Jordan Roth, states, “As a Jewish student at Cal Poly and member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, I am proud to have sponsored and helped unanimously pass the resolution to define Antisemitism and condemn all acts of it. Antisemitism is a common and continually rising hate crime the United States has seen, most notably in recent years on college campuses. Witnessing the antisemitic incident a few months ago on my home compelled me to complete this project. The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism can now be referenced and actively used to condemn all antisemitic acts moving forward. I am extremely proud of the board for passing this resolution.”
With this resolution, the ASI Board of Directors strives to stand by students and support the Cal Poly Jewish community.
