Antisemitism Statement

In recent weeks, the United States has seen an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents, both in-person and on-line. According to the Anti-Defamation League this increase comes at a time when these disturbances are already at their peak.

These incidents are distressing to many, especially within our community at The School of Social Work at Portland State University. Not only do we denounce rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism, we also want our Jewish students, staff, and faculty to know that we stand alongside them against this trend. 

The National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics informs the core principles of our discipline. That code states that social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity, while also promoting policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social justice for all people. Antisemitism is the marginalization and/or oppression of people who are Jewish based on the belief in stereotypes and myths about Jewish people and Judaism. As social workers we should stand against such discrimination.

Portland State University has a clear policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment. To file a complaint of prohibited discrimination or harassment you can report to the Office of Equity & Compliance. You may also make a bias incident report to PSU’s Bias Review Team, which reviews bias incidents to determine University coordinated response. 

All students, faculty and staff experiencing trauma related to discrimination and harassment may find support and guidance through the School of Social Work’s resources, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Portland State University’s Equity & Compliance Resource sheet.

In Solidarity,

Jose Coll, Ph.D

Dean and Professor
School of Social Work
Portland State University