Campus Controversies: Antisemitism and Pro-Palestinian Protests Rock U.S. Universities
Jay Sures, a member of the University of California Board of Regents and a high-profile talent agent, criticized a letter from UC's Ethnic Studies Faculty Council that defended Hamas' attack on Israel and demanded that UC administrators stop using the words "terrorism" and "unprovoked" to describe the attack. Sures called the letter appalling and repugnant, stating that he would do everything in his power to prevent its demands from being met. He argued that the council's letter could be seen as justifying Hamas' brutality and accused them of lacking empathy for Jewish life. Sures urged the council to retract their statements, condemn Hamas' attack, and learn more about antisemitism and all forms of hate. The university spokesperson confirmed that the Board of Regents and the university president stand by their initial condemnation of Hamas' attack.