7 members of Committee on Preventing Antisemitism, Hate at Northwestern University step down
Some Jewish groups calling on NU President Schill to resign
EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Seven members of the President's Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate at Northwestern University decided to step down Wednesday amid anti-war protests at college campuses across the country.
In a letter to Northwestern President Michael H. Schill, the members said, "We are unable to continue to serve Northwestern University as members of the President's Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate at this crucial moment with antisemitism so present at Northwestern in public view for the past week."
They also said they were not consulted in the agreement reached between the school and protesters on Deering Meadow.
A pro-Palestinian encampment at Northwestern ended this week, when the university agreed to more transparency in its investments.
But some Jewish groups are now calling on Schill to resign.
SEE ALSO: DePaul University pro-Palestinian encampment spurs counter-protesters
Schill addressed the agreement made with protesters via video statement and acknowledged incidents of anti-Semitism.
"This needs to be condemned by all of us," Schill said. "And that starts with me. Jewish students must feel safe walking past Deering Meadow and everywhere on our campus."
In response to the committee members' resignations, Northwestern said in a statement, "The University is disappointed that some members of the President's Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate have decided to step down. The Committee's charge and its work remain incredibly important to our community.
Our commitment to protecting Jewish students, faculty and staff is unwavering. The University has no tolerance for antisemitic or anti-Muslim behavior.
We will continue to engage with all members of the Committee - including the members who have resigned - and other Jewish members of our community, to ensure the vital objectives of this Committee continue."
Those who resigned include Efraim Benmelech, Lily Cohen, Martin Eichenbaum, Daniel Greene, Philip Greenland, Paula Pretlow and Michael Simon.
