RELEASE: Gottheimer Statement on Rutgers Faculty Union Pro-BDS Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, December 20, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on Rutgers University’s recent faculty union vote to support antisemitic BDS:

“I strongly condemn the Rutgers AAUP-AFT and Adjunct Faculty Union vote to approve an antisemitic BDS resolution calling on the state university to divest its financial investments and academic affiliations with America’s key democratic ally, Israel.

While I am a strong supporter of free speech and free expression, I strongly condemn hatred and antisemitism. The hate-motivated, antisemitic BDS movement calls for the eradication of the democratic State of Israel, America’s key ally. It is unacceptable and has no place on college campuses or in our country — especially at Rutgers. In fact, under New Jersey state law, it is illegal for New Jersey state pension and annuity funds to invest in companies that boycott Israel or Israeli businesses.

Unfortunately, this is just the latest example of antisemitism that has run rampant on campus and threatened the safety of Jewish students. Rutgers professor Michael Chikindas, who remains an affiliated faculty member of this union, was exposed in 2017 for posting virulently antisemitic cartoons on his Facebook page. Although the university denounced his comments at the time, allowing a professor known to have proliferated antisemitic content to remain part of the faculty sends a deeply troubling message that hatred towards the Jewish community will be tolerated. 

Administrators at colleges and universities across the country have a legal obligation to protect Jewish students against antisemitism, harassment, and intimidation. As I have done before, I urge Rutgers University to immediately and publicly reject this harmful resolution and reaffirm its commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and faculty.”

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