Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Today, we welcomed nearly 8,500 graduates to the Temple alumni family when we celebrated the Class of 2025 during the 138th university-wide commencement ceremony. It was a beautiful celebration for our graduates, their families and the entire Temple community, and I thank everyone who was able to join us.

Unfortunately, I am disheartened to share that over the last several days, there have been a number of deeply disturbing incidents related to the conduct of some of our students. As you know, a disgraceful incident of antisemitism occurred at an off-campus establishment over the weekend, resulting in one student immediately being placed on interim suspension. Since then, our Division of Student Affairs has been continuing its investigation, and we have identified another student who has also been placed on interim suspension. 

Yesterday, we became aware that a student participated in an interview with a media personality who has a history of producing extreme antisemitic and racist content. The content of this interview was both appalling and deeply offensive. Antisemitism is not tolerated at Temple. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and we will be relentless in efforts to combat it, especially when members of our community have been targeted because of their Jewish identity. 

Unrelated to this incident, we also recently learned of a troubling video circulating on social media in which a current Temple University student makes alarming comments related to the United States. The person is identified in this video as a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). SJP is not a recognized student organization at Temple and remains suspended because of actions that violated the Student Conduct Code. This suspension applies to all operations related to SJP using Temple’s name, branding or resources. 

While Temple is committed to honoring the principles of free speech and fostering an environment open to a diversity of thought, opinion and peaceful expression, the language and views expressed in these instances are reprehensible and not in keeping with our university’s values.

As we have advised before, the university’s Student Conduct Code applies to conduct on and off campus. The Division of Student Affairs is conducting thorough investigations into all of these incidents. Students who are found to be in violation of the Student Conduct Code will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.  

These events are concerning for our community. We have many resources available to support students, faculty and staff, and I encourage you to take advantage of them. 

This is a time of celebration for our students and community. As we come together over the next few days to applaud the accomplishments of our graduating students, let us remember to stand strong with the entire Temple University family against all forms of ignorance and hate.   

I thank our students, faculty and staff for their continued dedication to Temple's mission and ensuring that the end of the semester is focused on what matters most: celebrating our graduates and wishing them success. 

Sincerely,

John Fry 
President