Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff Members,

Late yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) notified the College that it is expanding a Title VI investigation it opened in 2024. We understand OCR took this step primarily in response to complaints it received about a video originally posted by a Philadelphia-based group, unaffiliated with the College, that shows the burning of an effigy of an Israeli soldier. The Swarthmore Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) social media account, @swarthmoresjp, reshared that video. 

I condemn this hateful depiction of violence, just as I do all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other discrimination within our community. While we have no control over the content posted to @swarthmoresjp, and it’s unclear whether those running the account now are even Swarthmore students, that doesn’t change the fact that the content in question has no place in our community. To those of you who may be experiencing pain or harm from this incident, please know that the College has resources available to support you; you will find details on those below. 

SJP has not been a recognized organization at the College since September 2025, when we permanently revoked its affiliation. The group cannot use College funds, host or schedule events on campus, or access any resources available to student organizations. Other student organizations may not co-sponsor, act on behalf of, or affiliate with it. 

Given the circumstances, we believe the complaints against the College that led to OCR’s expanded investigation have no merit. That said, I do want to take this opportunity to reaffirm that the free exchange of diverse perspectives is central to our mission. Swarthmore embraces individuals’ rights to express their views, even views others might find objectionable, if not offensive. However, as I’ve said on many occasions, we cannot allow that commitment to come at the expense of our right to learn, work, and live in a campus community free from intimidation, harassment, and discrimination. We will continue working together to foster an environment that upholds both of these core values.

Sincerely,

Valerie Smith
President
Roy J. and Linda G. Shanker Presidential Chair

Resources and Support

The College has resources to help support campus community members through challenging times such as these. Students may reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services or the Interfaith Center. The student deans in the Division of Student Affairs are also available to assist in a variety of ways. Faculty and staff members have access to support through our employee assistance program, AllOne (formerly Carebridge), which is secure and confidential. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is available to assist with constructive dialogue, restorative conversations, and other resources. In addition, should you experience any discrimination or harassment on campus, please report it to the College.