On Wednesday afternoon, two Jewish students at DePaul University in Chicago were assaulted by masked attackers in front of the Student Center on the Lincoln Park campus. The incident occurred around 3:20 p.m., leading to a public safety alert being issued for faculty, staff, and students.
DePaul University President Robert Manuel expressed his dismay over the attack, stating that the victims were targeted for showing their support for Israel. The students were physically assaulted but declined medical treatment for their injuries.
Manuel condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and a violation of the university's values. DePaul is providing care and resources to the affected students and collaborating with the Chicago police to investigate whether the incident can be classified as a hate crime.
The university is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of its diverse community. DePaul reiterated its stance against acts of hatred and violence, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of every individual.
Recognizing the significance of Israel to a portion of the Jewish community at DePaul, Manuel emphasized that all students should feel safe on campus. The university's guiding principles underscore its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination or violence.
DePaul University, like many institutions across the U.S., has witnessed active pro-Palestinian demonstrations earlier this year. In response to the recent assault, the university reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all members of its community.
