Temple University president speaks out about “recent troubling incidents”

(WPHL) — As Temple University is celebrating its students with its 139th commencement ceremony, President John Fry is taking some time to speak out about “recent troubling incidents”.

“Unfortunately, I am disheartened to share that over the last several days, there have been a number of deeply disturbing incidents related to the conduct of some of our students,” said Temple University President John Fry.

This comes after a Temple University student was at the forefront of an antisemitic incident at the Barstool Bar on Sansom Street earlier this week.

“As you know, a disgraceful incident of antisemitism occurred at an off-campus establishment over the weekend, resulting in one student immediately being placed on interim suspension. Since then, our Division of Student Affairs has been continuing its investigation, and we have identified another student who has also been placed on interim suspension. ”

The student, 21-year-old Mo Khan, initially took responsibility for ordering the antisemitic sign, but then backtracked on his involvement in a statement to Dave Portnoy.

“I need to set the record straight regarding the incident that took place at Barstool Sports. As part of my regular series of posting videos of my experience as a college student in Philadelphia, I documented what took place as a citizen journalist,” said Khan.

Portnoy originally offered to pay for Khan and another student to go on a trip to the Nazi concentration camps in Germany and Poland as a “teaching moment” but then rescinded the offer, when Khan backtracked his involvement.

Both Portnoy and Khan released videos following this, with Portnoy rescinding the offer and Khan asking Portnoy to pay for restitution.

Khan later joined an interview with Stew Peter, an alt-right internet personality, who is known for his antisemitic beliefs.

“Yesterday, we became aware that a student participated in an interview with a media personality who has a history of producing extreme antisemitic and racist content. The content of this interview was both appalling and deeply offensive. Antisemitism is not tolerated at Temple. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and we will be relentless in our efforts to combat it, especially when members of our community have been targeted because of their Jewish identity,” continued Fry.

President Fry also said, another current Temple student was making “alarming comments related to the United States”.

“The person is identified in this video as a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). SJP is not a recognized student organization at Temple and remains suspended because of actions that violated the Student Conduct Code. This suspension applies to all operations related to SJP using Temple’s name, branding, or resources.”

“While Temple is committed to honoring the principles of free speech and fostering an environment open to a diversity of thought, opinion, and peaceful expression, the language and views expressed in these instances are reprehensible and not in keeping with our university’s values..This is a time of celebration for our students and community. As we come together over the next few days to applaud the accomplishments of our graduating students, let us remember to stand strong with the entire Temple University family against all forms of ignorance and hate.” Fry concluded.