In the aftermath of October 7th, so many university presidents struggled to support Jewish students. Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall was a powerful exception—posting online that, “I’ve watched in disbelief as universities around the country float aimlessly in an ocean of antisemitism, with Jewish students threatened in classrooms and attacked in campus quads. So let me speak clearly. To my Jewish friends, neighbors, colleagues, and students: you are safe and welcome on our campus. Full stop.” He backed up his words with actions too. Under his leadership, CMU continues to host its 23nd Holocaust Awareness Series, which highlights the experiences of genocide victims and features contemporary Jewish voices like journalists Bret Stephens and Bari Weiss. President Marshall has displayed unwavering support of Jewish life not only on CMU’s campus, but across the Western Slope, a region which receives significantly less resources for its Jewish community than the Denver-metro area. Thank you, John for your support and care of the Jewish students on your campus and for the Jewish community as a whole.
