FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2010

Contact: Nathan J. Diament, Director of Public Policy
202-513-6494

ORTHODOX UNION COMMENDS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION
Orthodox Union praises Secretary Arne Duncan on joining the fight against anti-Semitism on college campuses

The Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, representing hundreds of synagogues, rabbis and thousands of members nationwide, commends Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on enacting new federal anti-bullying guidelines that will apply Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the protection of Jewish students from anti-Semitism on college campuses.

The act of bullying is the ultimate sign of cowardice and must be discouraged by all who witness it taking place. At this adverse time of increasing anti-Semitic sentiment on college campuses coupled with the rising unemployment rate it is our firm belief that all students should feel safe regardless of the way that they dress, feel or act. It is a secure and comfortable education that will help students build a bright future for themselves and for America.

The Torah teaches that all people were created in the image of G-d and therefore deserve to be treated as such. There is no place for bullying in G-d’s world.