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By: Fern Sidman
In a deeply troubling incident at the University of Rochester, hundreds of posters depicting Jewish faculty members as “wanted” appeared across campus last Sunday night, an act university officials have condemned as anti-Semitic and disturbing. According to a report that appeared on Wednesday on CNN, the posters specifically criticized faculty members for their purported responses to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with accusations that range from “ethnic cleansing” and the “displacement of Palestinians” to “racism,” “hate speech,” and intimidation.
University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf, in a statement to CNN, emphasized that this kind of hateful behavior would not be tolerated. “This act is disturbing, divisive and intimidating and runs counter to our values as a university,” Mangelsdorf said. CNN reported that the posters drew widespread condemnation from various campus groups and prompted the university’s Department of Public Safety to launch an investigation into the incident. The department has already removed the posters, though they noted that the strong adhesive used caused damage to several surfaces around campus.
The CNN report indicated that Gregory Heyworth, an associate professor of English and computer science and one of the targeted faculty members, expressed appreciation for the administration’s support and President Mangelsdorf’s firm denouncement of the posters’ anti-Semitic undertones. In an email to CNN, Heyworth noted the disturbing hypocrisy of the vandals, who he said “push the boundaries of anti-democratic behavior and infringe on free speech” while hypocritically relying on democratic values to shield their actions. The professor stated that one of the posters accused him of “threatening to dox” students who were protesting, which he called ironic since the posters themselves crossed the line by essentially doxing faculty members.
As the CNN report details, the atmosphere on college campuses across the United States has become increasingly tense since the onset of the recent conflict in Gaza, with statements from students, faculty, and administrators sparking heated reactions. The University of Rochester incident reflects broader divisions exacerbated by the crisis, particularly as Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza has intensified, triggering widespread advocacy both in support of Israel and of the Palestinians, many calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The University of Rochester’s Hillel organization, which represents Jewish students on campus, described the posters as “deeply disturbing” in a statement to CNN. Hillel indicated that several Jewish faculty and staff, including its own director, were targeted, though no students were named on the posters. In its statement, Hillel highlighted the need for the university to use this event as a catalyst to foster more profound and impactful education on Jewish history and anti-Semitism. “This incident is a chance for the University to reflect on what is needed to instill meaningful education about Jewish Peoplehood and antisemitism, so that UR is a place where Jewish life can fully and safely thrive,” the organization stated.
The CNN report noted that this is not the first time antisemitic acts have occurred at the University of Rochester. In February of this year, swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were discovered on the walls of the River Campus tunnel, a space commonly used by students to share information about campus events and highlight the university’s diverse culture. According to a news release from the university, the Department of Public Safety promptly removed these symbols, which were described by university officials as harmful and disturbing.
For many Jewish students at the university, the recurrence of antisemitic incidents has created a persistent sense of unease. Speaking with CNN, one Jewish student expressed exhaustion, saying, “I’m just tired. It’s been a long year, and I want peace desperately, but doing things like this—targeting faculty, administration, and staff to intimidate them and spread hate—is wrong.” The student, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, described the emotional toll these incidents have taken. “Yesterday we were scared and worried,” they added. “Today we work towards understanding and peace.”
Another Jewish student, also choosing to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, told CNN they were shocked to discover the posters around 10 p.m. on Sunday night. “When I first saw this, I was horrified and upset,” they said, reflecting the visceral impact that these displays of hatred have had on Jewish students and faculty alike.
