Dear TC Community,

I want to take this opportunity to provide an update on actions that Teachers
College has taken since the discovery last Wednesday of anti-Semitic graffiti on the
walls of a TC faculty member’s office.

First, I want all members of our community who feel vulnerable to know that our
Office of Public Safety has increased security throughout the campus and stepped up
patrols outside our classrooms, offices, and labs. The right to feel safe and secure,
and to observe one’s religious faith openly, without fear of intimidation,
discrimination, or attack, is fundamental, and one that we will protect and defend.

Meanwhile, TC Public Safety is continuing to assist the New York City Police
Department and its Hate Crimes Unit with their ongoing investigation to identify the
perpetrator(s).

With the alarming increase in assaults motivated by bias against Jews in New York
City and throughout the country, we can and we must condemn anti-Semitism and
all forms of bias, and endeavor to combat them.

We can start by standing in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. In that
spirit, I hope you will join me late this afternoon at 4:45 pm in Everett Lounge to
light the Menorah for the third night of Chanukah.

I also strongly encourage all of you to join me in Cowin Auditorium next Wednesday,
December 12, at 6 pm for a panel on the rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States,
and what we as educators and students, Jews and non-Jews, can do about it.

Organized last month by the Office of the Vice President of Diversity and Community
Affairs, this panel could not be more timely – or more important for all of us.

I know I will be seeing many of you at events this week, and that we will cherish the
opportunities we have to come together as a community that supports one another,
in good and trying times alike.

Thomas Bailey
President