A Jewish Stanford University student, Molly Horwitz, is claiming that an umbrella group for six student organizations, the Students of Color Coalition (SOCC), whose powerful support she sought in order to run for the Stanford’s student Senate, discriminated against her because she is Jewish. She told The Stanford Review that one of SOCC’s leaders asked her, “Given your strong Jewish identity, how would you vote on divestment?”
The question referred to the Stanford Undergraduate Senate voting in February for a resolution calling on Stanford to divest from companies aiding Israel’s so-called “occupation” of the areas of Judea and Samaria.
Horwitz had been selected from a number of applicants to interview with SOCC about a possible endorsement. She asserts that when she was interviewed on March 13, she responded to the question by asking for clarification, prompting the SOCC member to ask her how her strong Jewish identity would affect her decision-making. Horwitz had stated in her application: “I identify as a proud South American and as a Jew,” “I felt like I was not enough for the Latino community and further embraced my Jewish identity,” and “I found many parallels between the oppression of the Jews in Egypt and oppression of communities of color in the United States.”
Horwitz told The Review she added that she disapproved of the Senate vote for divestment, but championed her support of the Senate’s democratic system and asserted her desire for a peaceful Middle East.
SOCC has been accused of forcing selected candidates to sign contracts barring them from associating with certain student groups and campus communities; some allegations charge that Jewish groups were explicitly listed on the contract. According to the Review, “SOCC’s leadership allegedly collected the contracts after the candidates signed them.” The Review has asked SOCC to release the contracts.
After the interview, Horwitz emailed Mr. Sajjan Sri-Kumar, the Elections Commissioner, who sent the information to Nanci Howe, the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities and Leadership. Howe asked Horwitz, “Is there a particular course of action you would like me or Sally to take, for example, a follow-up with the SOCC students?” Horwitz answered, “I’m saddened by the action of my peers and would like a public apology. I think it’s also extremely problematic for the SOCC to still be able to endorse other students, when they have demonstrated discriminatory practices.”
The Anti-Defamation League, informed by Horwitz, sent Howe a letter; Howe responded:
Sally Dickson, the Associate Vice Provost of Student Affairs, promptly spoke to the students directly involved in the interview session in order to hear their perspectives about the exchange. We learned that there are different accounts of what occurred. Regardless, we have reminded those involved that all candidates should be treated consistently and fairly and that questioning based on an individual’s ethnic or religious affiliation is inappropriate. We remain committed to working with our students involved in the elections to actively support a fair and respectful process. We will also continue to work directly with Molly in addressing her concerns.
This article was originally published at TruthRevolt.org