The Unshocking Reality of Campus Discord
When Julia Steinberg stood before Congress, her words were more than just a testimony; they were a revelation of the simmering unrest that’s been pervasive in college campuses — a reality for many, yet a surprise to some. In a recent Instagram post by “The Free Press,” Steinberg, a 21-year-old Jewish college junior, articulates an atmosphere of discord, reflecting a trend that has deeply concerned those who stand at the intersection of Jewish identity and academic life.
The Chart of Oppression: A Story from a Classroom
The narrative begins in a high school homeroom in Los Angeles, where a well-intended exercise to chart various identities across a spectrum of oppression inadvertently laid the groundwork for a deeper issue. The message was clear even in its omission: Jews, often seen through a historical lens of persecution, could now be viewed by some as oppressors. This stark shift in perspective is alarming and one that Steinberg suggests has only intensified over time.
A Curriculum of Division
As Steinberg recounts her high school and college experiences, a picture emerges of an educational system grappling with the complexities of social justice theory — sometimes at the expense of nuance and understanding. Critical theory in her senior English class wasn’t about exploring literature but dissecting identities. She speaks of a non-academic class where accusations such as “white people are racist” and “men are toxic” were taught as unchallenged truths. This, according to Steinberg, is where the seeds of division are sown, taking root in the fertile ground of young minds.
The Consequences of Misguided Instruction
The implications of such an education are not merely theoretical. Steinberg details incidents at Stanford — her home away from home — where expressions of anti-Semitism have moved from the fringes to the forefront, with swastikas and portraits of Hitler appearing in dorms and classrooms. These are not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a larger culture that has, in some spaces, normalized hostility towards Jews.
A Poll that Reveals a Chilling Divide
A poll cited by Steinberg reveals a chilling reality: while a majority recognize the terrorist nature of certain attacks, nearly half side with an organization that openly calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. This stark divide among her peers is not just a statistic; it’s a measure of the growing divide on campuses and beyond.
What Must Be Done: A Call for True Education
The solution, Steinberg argues, isn’t for Jews to find their place in a hierarchy of victimhood but to advocate for an education system rooted in American values. She calls for an educational reform that prioritizes knowledge over propaganda, complexity over slogans, and unity over division. It’s a call to return to an understanding of education as a tool for enlightenment, not indoctrination.
An Invitation to Witness
Steinberg invites us to witness the campus climate for ourselves, to sit in classes, attend rallies, and understand that her story is not an exaggeration but perhaps an understatement. It’s an invitation to engage, to learn, and to understand.
Conclusion: Reflections on Jewish and American Values
As a Jewish-American, Steinberg believes in the rule of law, free speech, and the principle that all are created equal. These are not just Jewish values; they are American values. In her call to action, she implores us to consider not just the plight of Jewish students on campus but the broader question of what kind of society we want to foster. One that builds bridges or one that fortifies divisions?
As we reflect on Steinberg’s experiences, let’s not just focus on the darkness of the incidents she describes but also on the light of understanding and solidarity that can emerge from open, honest discourse. It is within our power to shape a future that embraces diversity, champions free speech, and holds firm to the belief in our shared humanity.