Joint Statement on Antisemitic Chalkings at UW-Madison
We are appalled that on the first day of classes at UW Madison, the campus community awoke to find multiple sidewalk chalkings around campus that targeted several Jewish student groups labeling them as “racist,” “genocidal” and invoking the antisemitic trope of “having blood on their hands.”
As Wisconsin faith and community organizations committed to fostering an environment of belonging for all people, we stand against all forms of hatred and bigotry, and today we must reaffirm that we stand against antisemitism.
This hateful speech scrawled anonymously under the cover of night falls outside the bounds of dialogue. The demonization of the Jewish community, and specifically Jewish students and their Jewish organizations is a direct assault on Jewish identity. This is especially dangerous given the recent increase of antisemitic incidents both on the UW Madison campus, and across the nation.
We thank the UW Administration for their statement naming the antisemitism that occurred. We also call on the UW Administration to conduct an investigation — it is important to identify whether a UW student organization, individual students or an outside group is responsible, and ensure that any necessary education and accountability can be pursued. It is essential that the UW Administration address the full inclusion of all Jewish campus community members as an integral part of their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Hatred towards any identity group has no place on campus, and hatred targeting Jews is no exception.
We must redouble our efforts to call out hatred and bigotry of all forms and stand together as a diverse community to support any marginalized group that is targeted by hate.
Signed:
Advent Lutheran of Madison Christian Community, Rev. Nick Utphall
Anti-Defamation League, David Goldenberg, Midwest Regional Director
Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Wisconsin, Jessica Boling, Edgar Lin, MJ Wong Engel, Kabby Hong, Francesca Hong, Erik Kennedy, Edgar Lin, Gaochi Vang, Lorna Young, Executive Committee Members
Bay Bridge, Anne O’Connor, Jenn Koop Olsta, and Kathy Wurzer, Cofounders
Circle Sanctuary, Rev. Selena Fox, Senior Minister
ElevAsian, Erik Kennedy, Jessica Boling, Co-founders
Filipino American Association of Wisconsin, Angelica Varona Camara, President
Fitchburg Memorial United Church of Christ, Rev. Kristin Gorton
Forward Latino, Darryl Morin, National President
Janesville UCC, First Congregational Church, Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan, Minister
Japanese American Citizens League, Wisconsin Chapter, Ron Kuramoto, President
Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Andrea Bernstein, Associate Director
Jewish Federation of Madison, Alan Klugman, Executive Director
Jewish Social Services of Madison, Kai Yael Gardner Mishlove, Executive Director
Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin, Rev. Cindy Crane, Director
Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO
Milwaukee Zen Center, Rev. Reirin Gumbel
National Council of Jewish Women, Milwaukee, Sue Strait, Co-President
9to5 Wisconsin, National Association of Working Women, Wisconsin Chapter, Christina Thor, Wisconsin State Director
Organization of Chinese Americans, Wisconsin Chapter, Betty Chan, President
Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison
St Mark’s Lutheran Church, Pastor Lisa Nelson
Sikh Temple of WI, Pardeep Singh Kaleka
Temple Beth El Madison, Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
The Crossing (UW-Madison), Karla Schmidt, Campus Minister
We Are Many-United Against Hate, Masood Akhtar, Founder and President
Wisconsin Council of Churches, Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director
Wisconsin Council of Rabbis, Rabbi Steven Adams, President
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, Reverend Larry Sexe Retired ELCA pastor, President of the Board, Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Executive Director
Wisconsin Jewish Conference, Michael Blumenfeld, Executive Director
Worker Justice Wisconsin, Rebecca Meier-Rao, Executive Director
