After Decrying Antisemitism, Rutgers New Brunswick Issues Apology

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — University leaders at Rutgers New Brunswick doubled down on a message of equality this week after issuing a letter condemning antisemitism but failing to specifically support the school's Palestinian community. The letter referenced the violent conflict between Israel and Palestine in recent weeks.

In a statement on Wednesday, Christopher J. Molloy, university chancellor, and Francine Conway, Executive Vice Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs, addressed ongoing conflicts, saying they are "saddened by and greatly concerned about the sharp rise in hostile sentiments and anti-Semitic violence in the United States."

In the statement, the officials said recent weeks have brought with them "incidents of hate directed toward Jewish members of our community."

The message went on to address violence and injustices against Black Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, indigenous populations, Hindus and Muslims.

"We have also been witnesses to the increasing violence between Israeli forces and Hamas in the Middle East leading to the deaths of children and adults and mass displacement of citizens in the Gaza region and the loss of lives in Israel," the statement read, in part.

On Thursday, the Rutgers officials acknowledged the previous communication missed the mark, writing, in part, "we understand that intent and impact are two different things, and while the intent of our message was to affirm that Rutgers–New Brunswick is a place where all identities can feel validated and supported."

"It is clear to us that the message failed to communicate support for our Palestinian community members," the message continued. "We sincerely apologize for the hurt that this message has caused."

Moving forward, officials said, the university will work to ensure its communications, going forward, are "much more sensitive and balanced," the statement reads. "We will work to regain your trust."