Messages to the community

Denouncing Anti-Semitism and Supporting Our Community

November 29, 2018

A Jewish faculty member’s office at Teachers College was vandalized yesterday afternoon with swastikas and an Anti-Semitic slur spray-painted on her office walls. The University strongly denounces this Anti-Semitic act that seeks to create fear and to intimidate members of our community.

In light of last month's horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and this hateful act closer to home, Jewish students and others in our community may be feeling especially vulnerable right now. Please know that there are a number of University-wide resources that we encourage students to use for support: 

Morningside Campus:

Medical Center Campus:

The Office of the University Chaplain offers faith-based support and spiritual counseling

Columbia Barnard Hillel - Kraft Center for Jewish Life

If you have a safety concern or want to report a potential bias incident on campus, Columbia University Public Safety is available:

Please don't hesitate to contact your dean of students, any of the above resources, or the Office of University Life ([email protected]).

Below is the message sent to the Teachers College community from its President Thomas Bailey:

To the TC Community:

As you may already have heard, the office of a Teachers College faculty member has been defaced with swastikas.

We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society. We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile Anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community.

Please rest assured that we are working with police to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act. I also want to reaffirm the College’s commitment – and my own – to providing a respectful and welcoming environment for all, and to protecting the safety and dignity of all members of our community.

Thomas Bailey
President

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With care, support and respect for our community, 

Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life