By HOI ABC
NORMAL – An Illinois State University administrator overseeing sororities and fraternities on campus is apologizing for hosting the Greek system’s main recruiting event this fall during the holiest days on the Jewish calendar.
Our news partner HOI ABC reports the university went ahead with Rush activities in September during Rosh Hashanah, which celebrates the Jewish new year, and Yom Kippur, which is the Day of Atonement. A Jewish student voiced complaints about the scheduling conflict last spring, but Rush events went on as scheduled.
On its Facebook page, ISU’s Chabad organization posted a letter from Assistant Dean Shawn Dowiak apologizing to the Jewish community and members of historically Jewish organizations.
“By moving forward with the dates, we caused hardship to current and potential new members who were forced to make a choice between student life and their faith,” Dowiak said.
“This is unacceptable, and steps have been taken to avoid this conflict in the future,” Dowiak also said.
Dowiak’s letter went on to say, “We are committed to creating an inclusive community at Illinois State and look forward to educating both the fraternal and broader campus community about the Jewish faith and anti-Semitism.
The dean’s office is offering to co-sponsor an event next year with Jewish student organizations.
ISU’s Chabad, on its Facebook page, said the organization hopes this starts a “never-ending conversation and more education.
