Thursday, February 08, 2007
Jewlsh Law Students Association
From time to time, I meet with different student groups to discuss the state of the law school on an informal basis and address any concerns. This Tuesday, I enjoyed lunch with the board members of the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA), joined by several faculty members with an interest in meeting them. I was very much impressed with the JLSA’s involvement with the Law School, including an interest in working with other student groups, including the Muslim Law Students Association, on projects such as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity later this semester. Their commitment to the Law School, along with their level of civic engagement, is admirable and deserves appreciation.
I was troubled, however, to learn that there is a perception among students as well as the community in general that our campus is not welcoming to Jewish students or may even foster anti-Semitism. I already had a sense that there were issues that I needed to be aware of, and my discussion convinced me that the feelings are widely and deeply held, formed on the basis of various occurrences at Wayne State University in the recent past. I have always believed in the importance of welcoming all students whatever their respective backgrounds, even as each of them may be challenged in the classroom and on campus to consider opinions with which they disagree and to which they should respond. Although some of the activities that were described to me likely are protected by the First Amendment, or are not directly within the responsibility of the Law School, it is nonetheless important for me to offer my own remarks in reassurance and to take responsibility for the overall environment that affects learning here. Whatever the exact cause, there is something wrong if a significant part of the population believes that they face hostility due to their identity. It is crucial for us to work together to form the sense of community that allows vigorous discussion while ensuring participants in that discussion are respected as equals. I look forward to continued dialogue in fulfillment of our shared ideals.
