Two Jewish students were attacked by masked assailants on the campus of DePaul University in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, according to a letter from the school’s president.
Robert Manuel said the incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. in front of the Student Center on the Lincoln Park campus, prompting a public safety alert for faculty, staff and students.
“I am shocked to note that the attack targeted two Jewish students at DePaul who were clearly showing their support for Israel,” Manuel said.
Both students were punched by the perpetrators, but they refused medical treatment for their injuries.
“We are outraged that this happened on our campus. This is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul’s values of upholding and caring for the dignity of every individual,” Manuel said.
The university is providing care and resources to students and is working with Chicago police to determine if the attack can be classified as a hate crime.
“We will do everything possible to hold those responsible for this outrageous incident accountable,” he said.
Following the attack, DePaul said it would continue to do everything possible to ensure a “safe and welcoming environment” for all members of its “diverse university community.”
“We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is a core part of their Jewish identity,” Manuel said. “Those students – and every student – should feel safe on our university campus. Our shared expectations and guiding principles make it clear that DePaul will not tolerate any acts of hatred or violence.
Anyone with information about the attack or who experienced any threats or violence can report it to Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).
“Please know that the safety and well-being of our university community is our top priority,” Manuel concluded.
DePaul University was one of many schools across the US with very active pro-Palestine demonstrations earlier this year.
Chicago police officers removed an anti-Israel camp from the university’s quad on May 16 after all green spaces were closed following protests that lasted more than two weeks.
