Accounting Industry Against Hate
Dear Deans,
It is a fundamental principle within our organizations that every individual has the right to dignified and respectful treatment, free from any behavior that is offensive, hostile, or intimidatory, particularly related to their identity. Harassment, whether verbal, visual, or physical, is strictly prohibited.
Recent events have shown a distressing surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide, but especially on American college campuses. These incidents encompass groups of students and external harassers advocating for the demise of Jews and the destruction of the State of Israel, alongside acts of harassment, vandalism, and physical or verbal assault. Such actions have left Jewish students nationwide feeling concerned for their safety and, in some cases, advised to conceal their religious affiliations. It's imperative that students feel safe and secure when they walk across a college campus, attend university events, or be themselves without any fear.
These hate-filled actions we are witnessing on campuses are deeply troubling and intolerable. Such behaviors are unacceptable within our organizations; we expect the same standards from your educational institutions. Additionally, we cannot tolerate external groups engaging in acts of harassment and violence, as reported from numerous campuses.
As leaders in higher education, it is imperative to equip students with the tools and guidance to engage in open discussions, even on emotionally charged subjects, while upholding our shared values and unequivocally rejecting anything contrary to those values. There is no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, or any form of violence, hatred, or discrimination within campuses, workplaces, or communities.
As employers seeking candidates from your institutions, we rely on you to ensure that students aspiring to join our companies comprehend and adhere to zero-tolerance policies against all forms of discrimination and harassment, particularly those observed on specific college and university campuses.
While we cannot dictate your response to condemn and take action against the antisemitic behaviors within your educational communities, including potential disciplinary measures such as expulsion or termination, we do assert our authority regarding our hiring decisions. It should be unequivocally clear to your students that our firms have zero tolerance for any form of bigotry or discrimination, particularly antisemitism.
We trust that you will adopt a resolute stance against these activities, mirroring our own commitment. We eagerly anticipate engaging in a respectful dialogue to understand the urgent measures you are taking to address this critical situation within your educational institutions across America.
Standing strong together.