Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF)—America’s unified alumni voice on issues of antisemitism, demonization of Israel, and bigotry— called on Florida State University (FSU) to remove its new Student Senate president, Ahmad Daraldik, for his antisemitic rhetoric. Daraldik has a record of making antisemitic statements online, including “f**k Israel” and “stupid Jew” and comparing Israel to Nazi Germany.
Last month, ACF launched a petition, which has garnered more than 740 signatures, calling for Daraldik to step down from his position, or for his impeachment. ACF’s petition also calls on FSU to take the necessary steps to counter antisemitism, including the Student Senate affirming and recognizing the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and the implementation of a mandatory anti-racism training for student government members and other university leaders that includes a session on antisemitism, led by an expert.
“Alums for Campus Fairness is appalled by the Student Senate’s vote to keep Daraldik in his position. Universities should be pillars of truth, academic freedom, and open discourse. A student leader who spreads antisemitic blood libels undermines these values and threatens to create a discriminatory environment for Jewish students,” Avi D. Gordon, ACF’s Executive Director said.
“The University administration has a responsibility to step in and remove Daraldik. At the same time, we call on FSU to take the necessary steps to counter antisemitism on campus, including the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and establishing a mandatory anti-racism training. FSU must make it clear that there is no place for bigotry directed at any campus group – including Jewish students and their allies,” Mr. Gordon added.