University of Pennsylvania Appoints Michael Weisberg to Combat Antisemitism and Foster Community
Michael Weisberg, a prominent figure in the University of Pennsylvania's philosophy department, has been appointed to lead efforts combating antisemitism and fostering community. Weisberg succeeds Beth Winkelstein and aims to enrich the Penn community and rebuild ties after recent stresses.
Weisberg, the Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor and deputy director of Perry World House, will oversee the implementation of recommendations from the 2024 University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. His appointment comes amidst reports of antisemitism at the university, particularly during protests against Israeli policies.
To tackle this, Weisberg plans to find ways to enrich the Penn community and rebuild ties, focusing on living up to the commitment to pluralism. He is motivated by his personal experiences and research in combating hate and building community. Weisberg's appointment follows several initiatives aimed at addressing antisemitism and fostering inclusivity. These include the establishment of the Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests (OREI) to support concerns related to antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, and the equalization of kosher dining hall costs with regular dining halls. Physical security in religious spaces has also been enhanced with the support of an outside security contractor and financial upgrades. Additionally, high-profile dialogues and critical conversations have been organized to engage with multiple perspectives on polarizing issues, such as the Silfen Forum and the Critical Conversations series. Weisberg's role will involve building on these efforts and engaging students and faculty in dialogues with empathy and compassion, such as through shared meals and conversations about shared interests.
With Weisberg at the helm, the University of Pennsylvania continues its commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering a diverse, inclusive community. His appointment signals a renewed effort to address recent stresses and rebuild ties, with a focus on living up to the university's commitment to pluralism.
