KU Hillel director responds to course content request

As a member of the University of Kansas community, and as a Jew 
committed to social justice and the lessons of history, I am outraged at 
our state government´s attempt to intimidate our faculty, administration 
and community. 
I am not entirely surprised that someone in the Kansas legislature has 
demanded that all courses that broach the subject of homosexuality or 
bisexuality be identified. Nor will I be surprised if and when this same 
person who has chosen anonymity ‹ at least Fred Phelps stands proudly 
behind his hatred ‹ will insist that these courses, or those who teach 
them, be labeled, branded and segregated. 

I am eager to see how those who are required to respond to this request 
from the capital will do so. As they ponder their options, please 
consider the following. 

In 1943, at the height of Hitler´s destruction of the Jews of Europe, 
the Nazis ordered the roundup of all Danish Jews for deportation. 

These Jews had previously been identified, labeled, branded and 
segregated. However, rather than allow the Nazis to determine the fate 
of their brothers and sisters, their friends and neighbors, the Danish 
king and the people of Denmark, proved to Europe that, in fact, it was 
possible to make choices that would preserve the sanctity of human life. 


It is said that the Danish king himself wore a yellow Star of David and 
encouraged all Danes to do the same, thereby standing with the Jewish 
people in the face of hatred and persecution. As a result of this 
courage and solidarity, the vast majority of Danish Jews survived, while 
throughout Europe the Jewish people were being burned. 

I urge all those accountable to the Board of Regents and to the State 
legislature to protect and stand with those in our community who could 
be threatened by this potential witch hunt. They are our brothers and 
our sisters, our friends and our neighbors. 

Steven M. Jacobson
Director, KU Hillel Foundation