Emails reveal conflict within NSHE over response to allegations of anti-Semitism at UNLV

Joshua Peguero and Linsey Lewis

30 minutes ago

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Emails obtained by 8 News Now reveal a conflict within Nevada's higher education system between a member of the Board of Regents and the president of UNLV.

According to documents obtained through a public records request, the dispute centers on Dr. Keith Whitfield's response to anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

Dr. Whitfield sent an email to the Board of Regents, writing, “It is our/my duty to listen to all student and faculty voices. I think turning a blind eye could cause more conflict between the groups involved in the Gaza conflict. However, it is very unfortunate that our recent discussion with SJP was reported in error.

The SJP stands for Students for Justice in Palestine. They have held at least three protests at UNLV, and their rallying cry is for the university to disclose and divest from any investments with Israel.

“I am here to protest the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and encourage divestments against Israeli apartheid,” Justin Nguon told 8 News Now at a May 7 campus rally.

Dr. Whitfield also sent a memo to the board, detailing how he met with the student activists and said: “I made no commitment on this, but I said we would speak with the committee to investment from the UNLV Foundation to better understand our goals. investment strategies and asset ownership.

His memo drew a sharp rebuke from Regent board member Byron Brooks, who 8 News Now interviewed in March about anti-Semitism at UNLV.

“Students are concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism on our campuses. Students are concerned about their own safety,” Brooks said.

Brooks told the board in response to Dr. Whitfield's memo: “I don't understand why he would invite the propaganda recruiting wing of a foreign terrorist organization into his office and pledge to 'keep working with their group.

The UNLV president also met with Jewish student groups, and each time these protests took place on campus, Dr. Whitfield responded, “UNLV strongly rejects anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. »