Indiana University President Pamela Whitten affirmed the university’s commitment to eradicating antisemitism in a response to U.S. Rep. Jim Banks’ (R, IN-03) November accusations.
Whitten’s three-page response letter was sent Dec. 1, according to the Indiana Daily Student, which obtained it through a records request. Whitten said the university increased security and patrolling. She also said IU has taken “swift and comprehensive” action against reports of antisemitism.
Banks wrote in a Nov. 15 letter to Whitten that the university is failing to combat antisemitism. Banks threatened that IU could lose federal funding and took aim at student activists. He called pro-Palestinian demonstrations "pro-terrorist.”
“Indiana University’s commitment to combating antisemitism is long-standing, though the terrorist attack on the people of Israel by Hamas reinforced the importance of our continued support for IU’s Jewish community,” Whitten said.
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In his letter, Banks asked that his office be briefed on the number antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel. He also requested information on meetings with IU antisemitism task forces and if student-led pro-Palestine protests led to harassment reports or illegal acts.
“As an IU graduate, allegations of antisemitism at my alma mater are personal and extremely concerning to me,” Banks said.
Since Banks’ letter, multiple protests and statements from free speech organizations suggested conservative political pressure caused IU leadership to stifle pro-Palestinian speech.
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After the letter, Palestine Solidarity Committee advisor Abdulkader Sinno was suspended for two semesters. The group held a large public event on campus with an approved room request. Faculty in support of Sinno said according to university policy, he was supposed to have a hearing to defend himself, but that didn’t happen. In response, an IU spokesperson declined requests for an interview but said the university “carefully follows its policies and procedures” and is committed to academic freedom.
Then, Palestinian artist Samia Halaby’s exhibit was canceled after three years of preparation.
A spokesperson declined multiple requests for interviews but said, “Academic leaders and campus officials canceled the exhibit due to concerns about guaranteeing the safety of the exhibit for its duration.”
Whitten responds to questions from Banks
She wrote there were 17 unique antisemitic incidents reported to the IU Bias Incident Response system from Oct. 7 through Nov. 30, 2023.
One report submitted to the Bias Incident Response system included the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, and it “noted that groups conversed with each other after events concluded on October 9,” Whitten said. No illegal activity was reported.
Banks also requested information about the Antisemitism Advisory Board.
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The Antisemitism Advisory Board met on Nov. 27, Whitten said, which was the most recent meeting at the time of the letter. The board reviewed progress from previous recommendations earlier in the year, such as reviewing bias reporting processes and creating more awareness programs. It discussed the current climate.
“At the Advisory Board’s most recent meeting on November 27, members also recommended that the university clearly articulate the definition of antisemitism and affirm the university’s values, which include making IU a place friendly and supportive to the Jewish community,” Whitten said. “Based on their guidance, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has updated its website to clearly reaffirm IU’s values in standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia, while clearly documenting definitions of antisemitism.”
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Whitten was not at the Nov. 27 meeting but said other leaders were present, including Bloomington Provost Rahul Shrivastav; Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion James Wimbush; and Associate Vice President for Public Safety Benjamin Hunter.
Whitten said leaders have met individually with members of the Antisemitism Advisory Board since Oct. 7.
“Additionally, I (and other senior members of the university administration) have met regularly with student leaders and other members of IU’s Jewish community,” she said.
Whitten explains other efforts on at IU to support Jewish students
Whitten said while IU takes action against antisemitism, the university also works to support Jewish students. She said IU is “in regular communication” with the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) to discuss ways to strengthen our support for Jewish students.
After Oct. 7, IU immediately increased police coverage and added new security cameras on campus, she said. The Indiana University Police Department increased patrols around Jewish sororities and fraternities, IU Hillel and Chabad IU.
“Public safety officials are also in daily contact with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to monitor potential threats within Indiana or on any of its college campuses,” Whitten said.
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Whitten said IU encourages “free and civil” exchange of ideas and academic freedom.
“Civility and respect are expected between and among members of the IU community so that all community members thrive and develop intellectually and ethically,” Whitten said.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @aubreymwright.
