Indiana Attorney General warns: Hateful antisemitic acts against Jewish students will not be tolerated on campus
Following months of campus protests sometimes featuring troubling anti-Jewish propaganda, Attorney General Todd Rokita warned college officials they are duty-bound to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by combating all forms of antisemitism on their campuses, or risk losing their federal funding.
“My team and I are deeply committed to ending antisemitism in all forms,” Attorney General Rokita wrote in a letter to college officials. “Some Indiana colleges and universities boast large populations of Jewish students. If these students face antisemitism on campus without corrective measures, they may bring an action under Title VI against your university by alleging a hostile environment or retaliation.”
Violent and disruptive protests have rocked campuses coast to coast following last year’s deadly attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. Although the 2023-24 academic year is wrapping up, the potential persists for continued campus protests and continued antisemitic agitation.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, and national origin” in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Indiana state-run higher educational institutions receive federal funding and are therefore subject to Title VI.
Attorney General Rokita also reminded college officials they must ensure that student groups do not materially support foreign terrorist organizations. House Enrolled Act 1179, which takes effect July 1, 2024, requires state educational institutions to adopt policies to prohibit providing funds or other resources to foreign terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terror.
Those who would incite violence or commit criminal acts may not hide behind the First Amendment to avoid culpability, Attorney General Rokita added.
“Protecting our Jewish students requires accountability on the university’s part. I strongly encourage them to enforce university codes of conduct and the law when necessary to put an end to antisemitism and the promotion of terrorism on your campuses,” Attorney General Rokita said. “That way we can ensure that all students, including our Jewish brothers and sisters, are safe and have an equal access to education.”
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce presents Showcase Bloomington
Join the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce for Showcase Bloomington on Thursday, May 30th, from 5-8pm at the Switchyard Park Pavilion and Lawn!
This vibrant community event is the perfect outing for the whole family, featuring a special Kids Zone, hosted by WTIU with a guest appearance by Xavier Riddle. Enjoy free food samples, live entertainment, and explore a wide variety of local businesses—all showcased in one dynamic setting.
Admission is free! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the Bloomington community. For more details, visit ChamberBloomington.org.
Two Indiana State Police Investigators Honored by United States Attorney, Southern District of Indiana
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers held an awards ceremony recently at which numerous individuals with varying degrees of investigative and support expertise were honored for their tireless efforts in a multitude of federal criminal investigations. Among those honored were two veteran Indiana State Police investigators.
Lieutenant Lester M. Norvell was honored with the Investigative Excellence Award in a Criminal Case for his work on a case involving a free bankruptcy program scheme which saw numerous victims from around the country surrendering their vehicles, which then became part of larger series of sham auctions. In all, approximately $1 million was taken in over a three-year period by two men, who have since been convicted and sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.
Sergeant Jennifer E. Barnes was honored with the Outstanding Collaborative Criminal Investigation Award for her work in which five defendants and their co-conspirators targeted and exploited elderly victims in an elaborate grandparent scheme which saw nearly 70 victims scammed out of more than $683,000 over an 11-month time frame. All five were convicted and sentenced to a combined 24 years in federal prison and ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution in this nationwide “Grandparent Scam”.
This Week in Hoosier History
1820 – Governor Jonathan Jennings, John Tipton, and others set out on a journey into the middle of Indiana to select a site for a new capital city. Five days later, they arrived at the farm of William Conner and began their survey of the area.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson