Anti-Semitic "valentines" circulate on Central Michigan University campus
Officials at Central Michigan University held an emergency meeting Thursday morning to discuss an anti-Semitic “valentine” that was apparently distributed at a student event on Wednesday. A photo of the offensive card went viral online.
The cards, which featured a picture of Adolf Hitler’s face and a comment about the Holocaust, were allegedly placed inside goodie bags during a College Republicans meeting. In a statement, the group claimed it was not responsible and said it will not “tolerate” this behavior.
“Unfortunately, a very inappropriate card was placed into a bag without other members’ knowledge,” the College Republicans at Central Michigan University said Wednesday night. “A bag was then given away to students ... once again without members’ knowledge of its contents.”
University president George Ross called the act “unacceptable.”
“This is not who we are as a campus community,” he said in a statement.
Ross urged students not to make snap judgments about the situation.
“We caution against concluding that the action is representative of the entire student organization or its members and remind all that threatening others as a result of such an incident can have legal consequences,” Ross continued. “We once again urge each of our students, faculty and staff to be beacons of peace, respect, inclusivity and civility — to be role models of integrity, dignity and leadership.”
A photo of one of the offensive cards was posted online Wednesday, sparking outrage from students on campus.
“Why would anyone joke about this?” one student asked in a Facebook comment.
“Holocaust Remembrance Day was only a couple weeks ago,” another added. “Not only is this in bad taste, but from a prominent political group on campus, I would expect they would have better judgement. Meme or not, this is over the line to distribute to someone.”
University leaders and campus police are investigating the incident and working together to determine next steps. The Office for Civil Rights and Institutional Equity has launched a formal inquiry, and the Office of Institutional Diversity, Student Affairs will develop additional educational efforts for the campus community, Ross announced.
University spokeswoman Kirsten Simmons said they’re deeply disappointed by the situation and called the language on the cards “unacceptable,” CBS Detroit reports.
Student activists held an anti-hate-speech rally Thursday in response to the letter and other reported incidents on campus.
“In response to multiple recent instances of hate speech on campus, Central Michigan Action is taking a stand and refusing to let this hate go unanswered,” organizers posted in a Facebook group. “We will reaffirm that CMU is a welcoming place for all with a peaceful demonstration and rally.”