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This week, a Penn student dressed as a suicide bomber, complete with kefiyah, toy automatic weapon, and fake dynamite strapped to his waist, staged mock executions around campus and at University President Amy Gutmann's annual Halloween party. While some may dismiss these actions as straightforward Halloween amusement, many perceive this student to have displayed a disturbing disregard for the sensitivities of others. With suicide bombers active in Afghanistan, Egypt, England, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Spain, and other countries, we consider this attempt at humor totally inappropriate. The intended joke is not only offensive to Jewish students, but to all humanity. Hillel student leaders have met with the University Chaplain and President's assistant. We are satisfied that they understand why the photographs taken at the President's house were offensive to many students in the Penn community. We join with the student leaders of other Penn constituencies in expressing offense at the regrettable incident. It should be noted that the student involved has apologized. Dr. Gutmann has issued a statement on the matter, available at www.upenn.edu. The staff and student leadership of Penn Hillel encourage the community to engage in dialogue about this matter and continue to welcome comments from all students. |