Dear Editors,
On Oct. 31, Dr. Donna McDermott published an “Open Letter: A response to President Gregory Fenves’s email.” As a Jewish student, I find Dr. McDermott’s article deeply reprehensible, having created a sense of insecurity and unsafety amongst Jewish students on campus, particularly at the prospect of being educated by someone who appears to disregard and misrepresent Jewish experiences and concerns.
While impressive, Dr. McDermott’s background in population biology, ecology and evolution does not equip her to discuss complex geo-political issues authoritatively. This is more than just a matter of theoretical overreach far beyond her academic expertise; it poses a severe concern for educational integrity and the intellectual safety of students. When educators comment on issues beyond their scope of expertise and present their views in a public forum associated with the university, there is an implicit suggestion that they possess authority or specialized knowledge in these matters, which is misleading.
It’s also perplexing and concerning that Dr. McDermott, as a non-Jewish individual, has taken it upon herself to define antisemitism. Her lack of experience in Jewish culture and history undermines her credibility in making such determinations, contributing to a culture where external views marginalize genuine community sentiments.
Additionally, Dr. McDermott’s use of her marginalized identities to frame her understanding of discrimination faced by other groups is problematic. It’s presumptuous and insensitive to suggest her experiences provide broad authority on the unique challenges faced by different minorities, as each group’s experiences of hate and discrimination are distinct and not interchangeable. It is imperative to recognize that while solidarity among different marginalized groups is crucial, this solidarity should not come at the cost of overshadowing or redefining each group’s specific prejudices.
Our community merits a faculty well-versed in their fields and who refrain from appropriating their authority to define antisemitism for Jewish students. Professors should exemplify academic integrity, not extremism. To exemplify academic integrity, faculty members should demonstrate humility and respect for the boundaries of their expertise, particularly in sensitive areas like defining antisemitism for Jewish students. Professors should foster an environment of understanding, respect diverse perspectives and acknowledge their limitations when discussing topics outside their field of specialization. Therefore, Emory University must launch an investigation into the concerns raised by Dr. McDermott’s conduct, and her failure to meet these standards of integrity and ensure the well-being and safety of Jewish students on campus.
Morgan Ames (24C) is from New York.
