Since its inception, the university structure has been a breeding ground for strong minds and opinions, usually expressed with a passion that many college students have in excess. The first amendment, eliminating legal liability from openly spoken opinions, leaves the door open for nearly any voice to be heard; even those that contain offensive, detrimental messages.
"Students are opinionated," said Garry Mikhailevich, a sophomore biological chemistry major. "They keep these views to themselves or on the down low in forums, or meetings that are kept out of the public's view, but are still apparent. No one comes out and says they care more about one religion than another; we must be politically correct when we make statements in public, but people think, act and speak differently."
Freedom of speech often sets the stage for many instances of hateful words and actions fueled by prejudice. One such prejudice is anti-Semitism, or contempt for individuals solely based on their practice of the Jewish faith.
Research done by the Anti-Defamation League shows that anti-Semitism is present and apparent on university campuses. The ADL was founded in 1913 with the purpose of fighting against intolerance of all kinds against all people, with a focus on high anti-Semitic attitudes.
"There is a greater tolerance on the college campus than elsewhere for expressions of anti-Semitism," said Abraham Fox, national director of the league in an Oct. 13 Washington Post article.
With the continuing unrest in the Middle East, some Jewish students worry about the possibility rising anti-Semitic feelings at UB.
"I am concerned that, with the growing number of incidents in the Middle
Mikhailevich said he feels the presense of anti-Semitism more strongly on campus.
"I do believe that there is anti-Semitism on this campus," said Mikhailevich. "There are Islamic meetings on campus, in which they discuss and scapegoat to justify the murder of Jews in the Middle East and explain why their religion is not directly responsible."
Although reported incidences of biased-related crime have not increased, the administration also remains aware of possible areas of hostility.
"In our world today, there is ever increasing tensions between peoples, here and away. We feel those tensions at UB," he said. "While we have not experienced an increase in reported bias-related crime on campus, we remain concerned about the rights and security of all."
A number of UB's Jewish students say that students who are not Jewish are generally ignorant of Judaism and Judaic practices.
"People (on campus) don't know enough about Judaism to be anti-Semitic," said Gail Eilat, a sophomore communication major. "Most are pretty ignorant to it. I always seem to have to explain things to others because of their lack of knowledge."
"I personally haven't experienced any anti-Semitism on campus," said Johanna Caplan, a sophomore majoring in psychology. "There is, however, a general lack of knowledge about Judaism among non-Jewish students."
Some students see this lack of knowledge as a gateway for anti-Semitic comments or jokes.
"At UB, there are people from all over the place who are ignorant about certain things," said Michael Shields, a sophomore psychology major. "I don't know if this can be defined as anti-Semitism, but some people play around with it and go too far, like making jokes about the holocaust; but without a doubt there are definitely some people on campus who are outright anti-Semitic."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
