TO: Campus Community
FR: Mike Lee, President
The encampment on Person Lawn has remained peaceful since it began on Friday night, and was the site of two rallies over the weekend that were also peaceful.
Unfortunately, some of the messages written in chalk on the sidewalk in front of the encampment are disturbing. Their anti-Semitic wording has no place at Sonoma State or anywhere else respect and tolerance are practiced. Therefore, those messages will be removed.
Anti-Semitism, according to the U.S. Department of State’s definition, is “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Sonoma State University draws the line at depictions of intolerance and hate on our premises. They poison our atmosphere, which is one of respect and appreciation for diverse viewpoints and experiences and the people who embody them, and degrade our values that espouse each person's dignity and humanity.