The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s student government unanimously passed a resolution condemning antisemitism on Wednesday.
Titled “Resolution Addressing Anti-Semitism on Campus,” the Associated Students of Madison’s resolution denounced the recent rise in antisemitic incidents at UW-Madison, acknowledged antisemitism’s recurring issues on campus for over a century and urged administrators to take disciplinary actions toward perpetrators of antisemitic incidents.
The resolution follows an uptick in antisemitic events on UW’s campus, including a swastika vandalization in the Sellery residence hall, antisemitic slurs yelled at a student on Langdon Street and reports from an individual that was harassed for “looking Jewish.”
In a March 8 university statement, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor and Chief Diversity Officer LaVar Charleston called the incidents “concerning” and said they were working to increase “educational efforts to prevent bias incidents from happening in the future.”
“UW-Madison values a diverse community where people of all religions, races, ethnicities, identities and cultures feel safe, welcome and supported. The university’s diversity is its strength,” the email to students read. “We are committed to creating a campus where everyone feels valued and knows they belong.”
Resolution sponsor and Student Council Representative Anna Glasman said she hopes the resolution serves as a gateway for more significant changes on campus. Glasman, a sophomore at UW, noted that having the support of her fellow representatives in the unanimous vote is “strongly appreciated.” She has also worked with ASM representatives on a campaign for additional kosher options in the dining halls.
“As one of the few Jewish members on ASM, I feel a responsibility to speak up for my community,” Glasman said. “My hope is that this change towards more inclusion on campus will allow current, as well as prospective, Jewish students to feel more welcomed by the university.”
In addition to passing the resolution, ASM approved the “Support for Tuition Equity for Undocumented Students” resolution calling for DREAMers in-state tuition equity and passed a resolution requesting information from the UW-Stout Menard Center for the Study of Institutions regarding the UW System Free Speech Survey.
Rachel Hale is a senior staff writer who covers state politics and campus events. Before getting involved with The Daily Cardinal, she was a culture editor at Moda Magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @rachelleighhale.
