Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Late yesterday, Temple University was one of 60 universities to receive a letter from the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education (OCR) warning of potential enforcement actions, including the loss of federal funding, if Title VI requirements are not met. OCR emphasized that universities have an obligation to take sufficient measures to address antisemitic discrimination and harassment on campus. Here at Temple, we are committed to meeting that expectation. 

Let me be clear: Antisemitism is abhorrent. It has no place at Temple and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person are not tolerated. When students or student organizations violate university policy, they have been and will continue to be held accountable. When individuals have violated the law, Temple has worked with law enforcement to hold them criminally accountable.  

As you may recall, in January 2024, Temple was notified by OCR of its investigation related to the university’s handling of reported incidents of harassment based on national origin (shared Jewish ancestry). Specifically, the complaint was focused on allegations of antisemitism occurring on campus in 2023. OCR investigated the complaint against Temple for nearly a year and throughout this process, Temple responded fully, completely and transparently to OCR’s requests for information. The investigation culminated with a voluntary resolution agreement between OCR and Temple in November 2024.  

As part of the agreement, Temple undertook several commitments to be completed in the next year, all of which are underway. These include additional training for our investigators related to Title VI; expanded training on antisemitism for our students, faculty and staff; a climate survey; and ongoing internal reviews of the handling of and response to prior incidents with reporting to OCR on Temple’s findings. We are on schedule to fulfill our obligations under the agreement and will report to OCR on our progress. 

Temple will continue to cooperate with OCR and act swiftly to address allegations of antisemitism. We are committed to meeting our obligations to ensure individuals can access their educational and employment opportunities and strive towards a campus community in which all feel supported and safe. 

Temple has drawn on the guidance issued by the 2022 Blue Ribbon Commission on Antisemitism, which included the creation of the Interfaith Inclusion Center, the appointment of a special advisor on antisemitism and strong partnerships with Jewish community leaders throughout Philadelphia. We have also maintained strong working relationships with Temple’s Hillel and with Chabad at Temple.  

Temple will continue to work diligently to ensure all members of our community remain supported during this challenging time. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President