Dear President, Deans, and Board of Trustees,

I participate in career days for several local Jewish high schools, where I encourage their students to pursue engineering as a profession. In the past, I’ve always talked about how Cooper Union is a wonderful place to go to college. After Wednesday, I feel I can no longer make that statement.

Seeing video footage of Jewish students in the library while protestors banged on the doors and windows made me feel like Cooper Union is not a safe space for Jews.

Had I still been a student, that would have been me locked in the library. I would have felt threatened and afraid. And I am sure that the families of the high school students I speak to are going to think twice before letting their children apply to Cooper.

I look forward to the Cooper Union administration taking action to help its Jewish students feel safe on campus. I look forward to the day where I can once again say with integrity that Cooper Union is a great school for Jewish students to attend.

Sincerely,
Aviva Oppenheim
ME ‘02
Fair Lawn