The disturbing messages included threats of violence against members of the Jewish community.
Penn President Liz Magill announced that the FBI is conducting an investigation following the receipt of threatening antisemitic emails by some University of Pennsylvania staff
Liz Magill stated that both Penn police and the FBI are treating this as a potential hate crime. The targets of these alleged threats were identified as Penn Hillel, a prominent campus Jewish organization, and Lauder College House, named after the generous Lauder family, longtime supporters of the university. Authorities thoroughly inspected both locations and determined there to be no credible threat.
Penn Hillel, in collaboration with the university’s safety department, enlisted the assistance of federal investigators and a bomb-sniffing dog unit for multiple sweeps of the building. Campus police have bolstered their presence across the campus as a precautionary measure.
These reported incidents come on the heels of the university’s recent announcement of a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism
Notably, the school received criticism from prominent donors, including Ronald Lauder, regarding its previous response to antisemitism. In late September, a gathering on Palestinian literature held at the university garnered controversy due to the inclusion of speakers with a history of antisemitic remarks. Subsequently, a swastika was discovered spray-painted on the floor of a campus building, and vandalism occurred at Penn Hillel.
As part of their plan, the university aims to bring on board an expert with specialized knowledge in preventing and addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate. Liz Magill emphasized the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community.
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