Message from Penn State Leadership

October 3, 2023

Learning of the antisemitic harassment targeting Penn State Trustee Evan Myers and others in the borough over the weekend troubles us deeply, as we know it does you. We are equally concerned for our Jewish students and neighbors, who also are impacted by the presence of this irrational hate so close to home. We are all too aware of the rise of antisemitic acts across the country and the commonwealth, but targeted acts of intimidation like this one in our own backyard and the recent dissemination of antisemitic literature on and near our campus are upsetting reminders of the presence of hate nearby.

We support and stand with you and all of those in our local Jewish community. Actions like those from this weekend — and in fact any form of discriminatory intimidation — contravene the values Penn State holds most dear and undermine the community of inquiry we endeavor daily to enable. Cowardly acts of hatred like this one have no place in our community and we pledge our support in continuing to work to eliminate them to the greatest extent possible.

For our impacted students, faculty and staff, we hope that those who need them will take advantage of the resources available at the University, which are listed below. Please reach out if there are ways we can further support you and your communities.

Sincerely,

Justin Schwartz

Executive Vice President and Provost

RESOURCES

Students

• Student Care and Advocacy
  https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare
  814-863-2020                                                                                                  
• Counseling & Psychological Services
  https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling
  Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.

For all

• The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about someone else. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
• Report misconduct, including acts of bias or misconduct: https://universityethics.psu.edu/reporting-at-penn-state
• University Police and Public Safety: Call 814-863-1111 (non-emergency) and 911 (emergencies)

Faculty and staff

• Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program, a free, confidential employee and family resource to be used as the first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.