San Luis Obispo Tribune: Congress has more questions for Cal Poly president about antisemitism on campus
A congressional committee is directing a new round of questions to Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong about the university's efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.
On May 7, university President Jeffrey Armstrong testified at a hearing before the House Committee on Education and Workforce about the university's response to antisemitism on campus, especially related to Pro-Palestine protests held at Cal Poly.
Armstrong emerged from the hearing rather unscathed - especially compared to Haverford College President Wendy Raymond and DePaul University President Robert Manuel, who at times endured withering questioning from Republicans on the committee.
But now the committee is back for more information, this time by sending Armstrong a list of detailed follow-up questions related to the hearing.
The letter mentioned recent Pro-Palestine vandalism on campus, where protesters spray-painted "Free Palestine" and "Cal Poly Divest" at the Financial Aid and Student Accounts office in the Administration Building. The letter did not explicitly call the protest antisemitic.
"While the committee appreciates your appearance on May 7 to discuss these concerns, the committee is seeking clarity about your testimony and certain responses to questions posed to you during the hearing," the letter said.
The letter did not include a deadline for the university's response.
"Cal Poly remains committed to addressing antisemitism and ensuring the entire Cal Poly community feels safe and secure so all can thrive," university spokesperson Keegan Makoa Koberl said in an email to The Tribune.
On Thursday, Committee Chairman Tim Walberg sent letters to DePaul University, Haverford University and Cal Poly SLO with follow-up questions related to the May 7 hearing, Sara Robertson, press secretary for House Committee on Education and Workforce, told The Tribune in an email.
Free speech protected by the First Amendment could still result in disciplinary action under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires universities that receive federal funds to maintain a safe learning environment for students, the letter said.
"This includes the obligation to promptly address discrimination, including harassment that creates a hostile environment, wherever such circumstances may be found to exist," the letter said.
As a result, the committee is investigating "whether there was a hostile environment on Cal Poly's campus towards Jewish students," and if the university "adequately" responded to those incidents, the letter said.
The letter included a list of questions for the university.
At the hearing, Armstrong said Cal Poly bolstered its student orientation program and employee training with more information about antisemitism.
The committee asked for details about enhancements to the training, which employees are required to participate and how the training is conducted - including the format and length. The letter also requested copies of the instruction materials.
Armstrong also said Cal Poly created an antisemitism task force.
In the letter, the committee asked about the size of the task force, how members would be selected and if the group had an "action plan." The letter requested any documents or communications related to the task force as of Jan. 1.
Armstrong said Cal Poly is also working to establish an Interfaith Center, which would support students practicing all types of religions - including Judaism. The committee asked for a timeline for when the center could start operating.
Finally, Cal Poly is fundraising to hire a chair of Jewish studies. The committee asked how much the university has raised so far, when fundraising will be completed and what department the chair will serve in.