Studium

Statement Regarding Current Allegations of Sexual Harassment at the Abraham Geiger College

The School of Jewish Theology is appalled by the alleged sexual harassment at one of our partner institutions, the Abraham Geiger College, that has recently come to light. The Abraham Geiger College has found that an employee of theirs — who also taught as an adjunct in our study program — sexually harassed students on at least two occasions, leading to his termination. We are profoundly regretful for the harmful experiences to which these students have been subjected as well as for the insufficient protection they have received.

In 2020, the School of Jewish Theology instituted a new “Respectful Treatment and Protection from Discrimination” policy to promote a safe and equitable work and study environment. Needless to say, the cases that have come to light, as well as the published allegations of abuse of power, highlight the limitations of such institutional guidelines; we must all strive to realize their objectives even in the face of resistance. Harassment, violence, and discrimination in any form, as well as the abuse of power, have no place in the School of Jewish Theology and will not be tolerated.

Along with many others, we demand an independent, thorough and transparent investigation of all accusations and suspected cases of harassment and abuse of power at the Abraham Geiger College and the University of Potsdam, and we commit to actively support such a process. We also offer our full support to our students. If you have pertinent information to share, or if you would like to discuss the current allegations for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Council, trusted faculty members, or the Equal Opportunity Officer of the Faculty of Arts.

The members of the School of Jewish Theology