UWM denounces antisemitism, group's Instagram post raises concerns
MILWAUKEE - An Instagram post with intimidating language aimed at the Jewish community and groups that support Israel has been circulating around campus, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee said.
The post was shared on Friday from the "uwm4palicoalition" account. It said the group will no longer normalize "genocidal extremists walking on our campus."
It went on to say "any organization or entity that supports Israel is not welcome at UWM." It specifically named the Jewish Federation and Hillel.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The language used in the post raised concern among the Jewish community of threats or worse.
"Some people talk the talk and some people get inspired by that talk and walk the walk and engage in harassment, or vandalism, or actual physical attacks," said Roberta Clark, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council. "The overall emphasis is we all want peace."
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The university has denounced the post and said it denounces any form of antisemitism.
Any speech not protected under the First Amendment will be properly addressed, the university said – adding that it takes the post seriously.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
FOX6 News reached out to the group that made the Instagram post, but did not hear back by Saturday's deadline for this story.
Other posts on the "uwm4palicoalition" page, however, thanked UWM for its recognition and said claims that the group targets the Jewish community are false.
Full UWM statement:
Late Friday afternoon, UWM was alerted to an Instagram story on the uwm4palicoalition account that included intimidating language aimed at Jewish community members and organizations on campus that support Israel. UWM strongly denounces these statements and denounces any form of antisemitism, and we will be actively monitoring campus as a result. Every student, employee and community member must be safe on our campus.
UWM takes this post seriously and recognizes that the language in it, if acted upon, would undermine the safety of the UWM community, especially Jewish individuals and organizations. Where speech is not protected by the First Amendment, UWM will address it through appropriate processes, which could include student and student organization disciplinary processes. While hateful or intimidating speech is often legally protected, it conflicts with the respect and conduct we ask of each member of our community.
The Dean of Students Office has been reaching out to provide support to impacted campus organizations.
Any member of the campus community can request support from the UWM Police Department. Download the Rave Guardian app to receive emergency alerts and to text directly with the UWMPD and connect with UWM Police resources.
In an emergency, please call the UWM Police Department at 911 on a UWM Teams account or 414-229-9911 on a cell phone or off-campus phone. 911 may be used from off-campus locations or from your cell phone to reach City of Milwaukee police, fire and ambulance services.
UWM recognizes that this information can cause significant stress and fear among our campus community. UWM offers mental health resources for students and employees. Students can access the UW Mental Health Support Line 24/7 at 888-531-2142. Reach UWM’s Counseling Services for virtual or in-person mental health services. To schedule a teletherapy appointment, visit Mantra Health.
Employees are encouraged to use the services of UWM’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through Acentra Health, which is available to all UWM employees and their family members. Acentra Health is free, confidential and available 24/7. Please contact Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com. Sign in using UWM’s password: SOWI.