The University of Michigan announced the termination of a senior diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) administrator following accusations of antisemitic remarks. Rachel Dawson, the now-former director of the university’s Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, was dismissed after an investigation into comments she allegedly made at a diversity conference earlier this year. Dawson’s lawyer, Amanda Ghannam, has denied the claims and vowed to sue the university, asserting that her client’s First Amendment rights were violated.
Allegations and Investigation
The issue centers on remarks Dawson reportedly made during a conference in March, where she allegedly described the university as being “controlled by wealthy Jews” and claimed Jewish students were “privileged” and not in need of DEI support. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Michigan filed a formal complaint in August, prompting the university to hire the law firm Covington & Burling to investigate. While the investigation found no concrete recording or direct evidence of the alleged comments, the firm’s memorandum concluded that the weight of evidence supported the ADL’s report.
Escalating Tensions on Campus
Dawson’s termination comes amid rising tensions on the University of Michigan campus, which has seen an uptick in incidents affecting Jewish members of the community. Earlier this week, a Jewish member of the Board of Regents was targeted in a vandalism attack, further intensifying concerns about antisemitism. Protests have also emerged over perceived threats to the university’s DEI programs, with students and faculty voicing fears of reduced support for marginalized groups.
Emails obtained by the press suggest that university leadership initially planned for Dawson to undergo antisemitism training and receive a written warning. However, pressure from members of the Board of Regents, including Regent Mark Bernstein, led to her termination. Bernstein called the initial disciplinary measures inadequate and insisted on immediate dismissal.
A Divided Community
The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing DEI initiatives with the inclusion of Jewish students and addressing antisemitism on campuses. Advocates like Dr. Naomi Yavneh Klos, who reported the incident, argue that DEI efforts often overlook Jewish communities. “The current DEI narrative very often excludes Jews,” she said, emphasizing the persistent presence of antisemitism in academic spaces.