I am tired of writing about anti-Semitism and hate rhetoric in university classrooms! I understand that institutions of higher learning pride themselves on academic freedom and open dialogue but at the same time they should have the same passionate commitment to truth, tolerance and the disavowal of hate mongering.

Two weeks ago, I met with Rutgers University President Robert Barchi along with Federation President Stephanie Goldman Rosen, New Jersey State Senator Loretta Weinberg and Jewish Community Relations Committee Director Ariella Noveck.

We were there to discuss a zero-tolerance policy on hate speech in the classroom. Why did we need to do this at a public university in New Jersey? Because this past winter, three Rutgers faculty members were cited for flagrant anti-Semitic speech in their classrooms, social media posts and/or publications. After pressure from Jewish groups including Federation, the faculty members were reprimanded and some were relieved of their main teaching responsibilities—but the issue is bigger than that. It is important to us that President Barchi make an unequivocal commitment to ensuring that Rutgers students can learn in an environment that is safe and free of bias and anti-Semitism.

This week, it’s William Paterson University.

Professor Clyde Magarelli, a William Paterson sociology professor, was recorded by his students espousing bizarre and offensive statements including anti-Semitism, ridiculous falsehoods and language of intolerance. University professors should be promoting intellectual growth and stimulation—not bigotry, deliberate misinformation and fear. It is irresponsible and morally corrupt for the university to allow this type of behavior under the guise of the First Amendment and academic freedom.

To make matters worse, both Rutgers University and William Paterson University are public institutions. This means our tax dollars fund their staff and help keep their doors open. They have a responsibility to the taxpayers of New Jersey to ensure that truth and tolerance are integral to high academic standards. It seems pretty simple to me.

Know that Federation will continue to stand up for the rights of our youth to attend institutes of higher learning, without fear of being subject to hate or misinformation.

But it is my sincere hope that this is the last time I have to write a message about the abuse of academic freedom on local college campuses.

Jason Shames, CEO

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey