DePaul University Confronts Alleged Hate Crime as Two Jewish Students Attacked in Lincoln Park Campus

Incidents of alleged hate crimes continue to concern college campuses across America, the latest arising at DePaul University in Chicago where, as reported by

Chicago Sun-Times

, two Jewish students showing their support for Israel were physically assaulted. The episode unfolded Wednesday afternoon outside the university’s Student Center located in Lincoln Park and has prompted both an internal and a law enforcement investigation.

According to the students’ accounts, they were accosted by two masked individuals at approximately 3:20 p.m., who proceeded to punch them before making their escape, despite the bustling campus environment and the presumed safety that daylight should afford the declarative act of sporting one’s political beliefs was not enough to shield them from violence. The university president, Robert L. Manuel, expressed outrage in a letter to the campus community,

stating

, “It is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul’s values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual.”

While the victims declined medical attention for their “physical injuries,” the deeper wounds—those inflicted upon the spirit of community and safety—demand more than quick remedies. The Chicago Police are investigating the incident to determine if the attack merits classification as a hate crime, signaling the perpetrated violence might be rooted in prejudice against the victims’ Jewish identity and support for Israel.

Robert L. Manuel in his statement, obtained by

NBC News

, reinforced the university’s commitment to security and inclusiveness affirming, “We will continue to do everything possible to ensure DePaul is a safe and welcoming space for every member of our diverse university community”, and while the attack tarnishes DePaul’s image as a tolerant environment for a while the work of restoration must persist and it must be unyielding. Manuel also recognized the particular significance of Israel to many Jewish students’ identities.

DePaul University’s Public Safety is seeking information that could lead to the apprehension of the assailants and has requested that those with knowledge of the incident come forward. They can be reached at 773-325-7777 for the Lincoln Park campus and 312-362-8400 for the Loop campus.

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