News Summary
The University of Kentucky is investigating an antisemitic petition linked to a law professor, leading to the suspension of the employee from teaching duties. University President Eli Capilouto communicated this ongoing investigation to the campus community, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged views advocating violence based on national origin. The situation has sparked concerns among students and faculty, prompting the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus to condemn the actions. As the investigation unfolds, the university is engaging outside legal counsel and implementing policies to ensure the safety of all students.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky (UK) is currently investigating an antisemitic petition created by one of its employees, resulting in the suspension of the individual from teaching duties. In a communication to the campus community, UK President Eli Capilouto disclosed the ongoing investigation and the actions taken against the employee.
The university specified that the employee, who has yet to be officially identified by UK, is no longer allowed to carry out teaching and classroom responsibilities during the investigation period. Reports indicate that the petition in question allegedly advocates for the “destruction of a people based on national origin,” which has raised significant concern among students and faculty alike.
Capilouto characterized the expressed views of the employee as “repugnant” should the allegations prove accurate. While university officials have refrained from making further comments beyond Capilouto’s announcement, the Kentucky Jewish Council has identified the employee as Ramsi Woodcock, a law professor at the Rosenberg College of Law. Woodcock is associated with a website named the “Antizionist Legal Studies Movement” which features a petition entitled “Petition for Military Action Against Israel.”
Students within the Rosenberg Law School community have raised alarms regarding their safety in Woodcock’s classes, with some expressing discomfort in sharing their identities due to his online implications and actions. The situation has prompted reactions beyond the university setting, with Rabbi Schlomo Litvin from Chabad of the Bluegrass emphasizing that Woodcock’s statements extend beyond mere academic debate and reflect a broader concern for safety.
The Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus has publicly condemned Woodcock’s activities, labeling them as antisemitic and a call for violence. In a developing situation, Woodcock has countered the university’s response by stating that the letter from Capilouto misrepresents his stance and places him in an unsafe position. He also pointed out that he was not representing the university and had no knowledge of the letter beforehand.
In light of the serious nature of the allegations, the University of Kentucky is engaging outside legal counsel to expedite the examination of the matter. Capilouto underscored the university’s responsibility to uphold the safety and well-being of its students and staff amidst these developments.
The university has implemented measures to prevent the petition from being hosted on any university-affiliated websites and is proactively developing policies to establish clearer boundaries between university resources and personal internet sites. This investigation occurs alongside a broader focus in the state of Kentucky on addressing antisemitism, particularly as it relates to ensuring a safe environment for Jewish students.
Recent reports indicate a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across Kentucky, prompting the formation of a task force earlier in 2023 to examine the levels of antisemitism within the state. Even though diversity initiatives have faced legislative restrictions in Kentucky, there is an ongoing concerted effort to maintain a secure educational environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
The situation at the University of Kentucky continues to unfold as the investigation progresses, with the latest developments highlighting the institution’s commitment to addressing serious issues of hate and discrimination in academia.
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Additional Resources
- Lex18 News
- Kentucky.com
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Antisemitism
- WKYT News
- Google Search: Antisemitism in Kentucky
- WTVQ News
- Google Scholar: Antisemitism in Education
- Brandeis Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antisemitism
- Kentucky Lantern
- Google News: Antisemitism Kentucky University
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