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Transcript/ScriptUSAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: HFR US Antisemitism
HEADLINE: As Antisemitism Rises in US, Some Students Want Limits to Freedom of Expression
TEASER: US universities take measures to combat antisemitism on campuses
PUBLISHED AT: HFR for 12/7/23, 9:01a
BYLINE: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Fairfax, VA
VIDEOGRAPHER: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
VIDEO EDITOR: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
SCRIPT EDITORS: Aru Pande, DLJ, DJ OK
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Original, Agencies, Skype, see script for others
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:24
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES: ((Radio Tracks for Reversioning Included))
((TV INTRO))
[[Several universities in the United States are taking measures to prevent and address incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia related to the Israel-Hamas war. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias spoke with several students who favor freedom of speech with certain limits. ]]
((NARRATOR))
While strongly condemning Islamophobic incidents,
including last month’s shooting of three Palestinian-American students in Vermont,
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer last week decried
((Mandatory CGL Al-Qassam Brigades))
how Hamas’s terrorist attack in Israel two months ago has led to a sudden spike in antisemitism in the United States. ((end courtesy))
((Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader))
“In general, Jewish Americans represent two percent of the U.S. population, yet we are the targets of 55 percent of all religion-based hate crimes recorded by the FBI. // The Anti-Defamation League estimates that antisemitic incidents have increased nearly 300 percent since October 7th.”
((NARRATOR))
The White House this week condemned a December 3 pro-Palestinian rally outside an Israeli-American owned falafel restaurant in Philadelphia,
((Mandatory cg: X /@thatJVG))
where protesters chanted slogans alleging genocide.
((Mandatory cg: X @GovernorShapiro))
Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro reposted a video of the incident on “X,” formerly known as Twitter,
((Mandatory cg: X @thatJVG))
that VOA cannot independently verify.
((NARRATOR))
And the Anti-Defamation League found that nearly three in four Jewish college students reported experiencing antisemitism in a recent survey.
On Tuesday, the presidents of three private U.S. universities testified before Congress about the gravity of the problem and their efforts to keep students safe.
[[RADIO INTRO: President of Harvard University, Claudine Gay.]]
((Claudine Gay, Harvard University President))
“We have increased security measures, expanded reporting channels, and augmented counseling, mental health and support services.”
[[RADIO INTRO: University of Pennsylvania President, Liz Magill.]]
((Liz Magill, University of Pennsylvania President))
“Where we have identified individuals who have committed these acts in violation of either policy or law, we initiate disciplinary proceedings and engage law enforcement.”
[[RADIO INTRO: Sally Kornbluth is president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.]]
((Sally Kornbluth, MIT President))
“We have launched an MIT-wide effort called ‘standing together against hate.’ It will emphasize both education and community-building, especially in our residence halls. In addition to fighting antisemitism, it will address Islamophobia also in the rise and also underreported.”
((NARRATOR))
George Mason University’s Paul Allvin says the school has seen almost weekly protests on campus related to the Israel-Hamas war.
((Paul Allvin, George Mason University ))
“Our faculty are providing teachings and colloquia that people are invited to, to learn more and better understand the context of what’s happening on the other side of the world, and hopefully bring better understanding and discourse to this.”
((NARRATOR))
Several George Mason students told VOA they favor freedom of expression in universities, with certain limits.
((Emir Wright, University Student))
“As long as they are not explicitly calling for the bombing of Gaza or the removal of Israeli civilians I’m all for it.”
((Brianna Moore, University Student))
“If you have negative views about a certain population, I would technically prefer that those views are just kept to yourself.”
((Luigi Bilibio, University Student))
“My freedom of expression cannot interfere with your freedom of expression. My view cannot be (of) more value than your view. We all should be able to talk and express our views peacefully.”
((Bianca Harris,University Student))
“If people are starting to like call each other slurs and being you know, racist, antisemitic, islamophobic that’s where you draw the line.”
((NARRATOR))
The students also say whether tensions rise or fall on college campuses across the United States greatly depends on how the situation in the Middle East evolves.
((Veronica Balderas Iglesias, VOA News, Fairfax, Virginia))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateDecember 7, 2023 10:41 EST
BylineVeronica Balderas Iglesias
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
