Students Supporting Israel at The Catholic University of America condemned the school’s administration for “requiring antisemitic viewpoints
by Zoe Bell
“By demanding an ‘opposing view’ for a discussion on antisemitism, the administration implies antisemitism is a valid perspective and worthy of equal consideration,” Felipe Avila, president and founder of SSI at CUA, said in the press release. “CUA is effectively saying Jewish safety on campus can only be discussed if we also platform those who threaten it.”
Avila condemned the university for suggesting that antisemitism is a “legitimate viewpoint in our modern society.”
In a statement sent to Washington Jewish Week, the CUA administration expressed its commitment to opposing antisemitism.
“It is for this reason that the University did not simply deny Students Supporting Israel the opportunity to host a conversation on this topic. Our written response explicitly invited Students Supporting Israel to submit a restructured proposal with a balanced presentation that would include a variety of voices addressing antisemitism and the responsibilities of all members of our community to create a campus climate that promotes a consistent commitment to upholding the dignity of all human persons. That offer remains open,” the statement read. “We look forward to working with Students Supporting Israel to host a thoughtful conversation.”
Avila also said the CUA administration is holding SSI at a “double standard” compared to other student organizations.
“In my four years, as far as I’m aware, this policy has never been applied,” Avila told Washington Jewish Week.
Other registered student groups including Catholic U College Democrats and CUA College Republicans “routinely host highly partisan, one-sided speakers,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
The College Democrats recently held an event featuring an activist who advocates for legalized, expanded abortion access, without an opposing speaker, according to Avila.
Avila initially proposed Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) as the speaker for SSI at CUA’s presentation, given the congressman’s legislative work on ending antisemitism. He said the university denied Avila’s request to host the event based on the topic rather than the speaker. Avila said he had been willing to select another guest speaker if necessary, but was not given the opportunity.
“Why is Students Supporting Israel held to a completely unequal, impossible standard?” the post read. “We refuse to legitimize hate to appease an administration that selectively enforces its rules.”
