Morning Wire Black DEI Director Canceled for Anti-Semitism Efforts | 11.26.23
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Nov 26, 2023 
Dr. Tavia Lee, a Senior Fellow with Do No Harm Medicine and former DEI director at De Anza College, discusses her controversial dismissal after advocating for inclusive environments for all students, particularly Jewish ones. She shares her experiences confronting rising antisemitism on college campuses, especially during pro-Hamas protests. The conversation delves into the challenges of promoting equity in a culturally hostile climate, the ideological divides affecting DEI efforts, and the urgent need for constructive dialogue to combat campus intolerance.
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Examples of Anti-Semitism at De Anza College
- Dr. Lee witnessed anti-Semitism at De Anza College, like anti-Semitic flyers and a subverted Hanukkah event.
- The Jewish Student Union's resolution for an anti-Semitism definition was countered by a resolution condemning Israel.
Request for Anti-Semitism Statement Denied
- Hillel representatives requested a statement against anti-Semitism on the college website, similar to other inclusivity statements.
- Dr. Lee's staff and dean refused, claiming Jewish people are "white oppressors" and their focus was "decentering whiteness."
Source of Pushback Against Addressing Anti-Semitism
- Dr. Lee observed pushback against addressing anti-Semitism from various college bodies.
- This included student government, the academic senate, her office, and her supervising dean.