Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I’m writing to make you aware of an antisemitic incident that occurred last week near the Lincoln Park Campus and involved our students.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, a group of Jewish students from DePaul, Loyola, and Roosevelt gathered in the Olive & Oak Café for a recurring coffee hour hosted by Hillel and the Jewish United Fund. According to reports the university received, individuals inside the café began harassing the Jewish students, calling for them to leave, and a JUF staff person was allegedly “shoulder checked,” which the Chicago Police Department has classified as a battery. The incident remains under investigation, and the university will share updates as available.
While this incident occurred off campus, I am outraged that our students were targeted and harassed because of their Jewish identity. These actions are inexcusable. DePaul University condemns antisemitism in all its forms and will continue to stand firm in doing so, in line with our Catholic, Vincentian values.
University leadership has reached out to the affected students to offer care and support. We are working to determine whether any of the offenders are affiliated with the DePaul community, and we will take swift, consistent action if any violations of university policy are identified. I have spoken with Alderman Knudsen to request his support, and Public Safety is working with the Chicago Police Department to offer assistance. I urge our local authorities to hold any offenders accountable.
The safety and wellbeing of our community remain our highest priority. If you have information regarding this incident or experience any threats or acts of violence, please report them immediately to Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).
A collection of resources for students, faculty, and staff is available here. For more on how DePaul is confronting antisemitism, please visit go.depaul.edu/stopantisemitism.
Acts of hate and violence have no place at DePaul—or anywhere. Our commitment to foster a campus environment rooted in dignity, care, and respect for all remains unwavering.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Manuel
President