Chicago, Ill. — In response to rising tensions and recent incidents involving Jewish students, DePaul University has instituted a policy requiring individuals wearing face coverings to remove them upon request from public safety officers. This policy, announced by President Robert Manuel, is aimed at enhancing campus security and ensuring the identification of individuals who may engage in illegal or threatening behaviors.
The new identification policy, which took effect on May 2, addresses what the university deems a crucial gap in existing safety regulations. According to Manuel, the policy is vital for public safety officers tasked with managing the identification of individuals on campus. He noted that the enforcement of the policy is essential, especially in light of recent violent episodes that have raised concerns among students and the broader community.
The Chicago Jewish Alliance has expressed support for this policy change, advocating for proactive implementation to ensure its effectiveness. In a statement issued after the announcement, the organization acknowledged the significance of the initiative while emphasizing the need for genuine commitment from the university to enforce the guidelines. “This policy reflects a direct outcome of the five initiatives we presented to President Manuel on April 17,” the organization stated, underscoring that implementation is just as critical as the policy itself.
Recent incidents have sparked fear and prompted calls for better safety measures on campus. In November, two Jewish students were assaulted outside a university facility, an event that deeply troubled the university administration. The attack, characterized by physical violence, prompted President Manuel to vocalize his dismay at the ongoing anti-Semitism prevalent in higher education settings. He has since testified before Congress to discuss these troubling trends and the university’s commitment to combating hate.
Following the assault, one student was reported to have been visibly demonstrating support for Israel at the time of the incident, a circumstance that exacerbated concerns about targeted violence against the Jewish community. Manuel condemned the act as “appalling” and reiterated the university’s responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
The Chicago Jewish Alliance is committed to collaborating with DePaul University to ensure that the newly implemented policy is not only enforced but also expanded to encompass broader safety measures. “Much more remains to be done to make DePaul a safe and accountable environment for all students, including its Jewish community,” the organization said.
As DePaul navigates these challenges, the university’s commitment to creating a more secure campus will be scrutinized by both the Jewish community and the student body at large. The effectiveness of the new identification policy and other future initiatives will be closely monitored as administrators work to foster a campus culture that prioritizes safety and inclusion.