PHILADELPHIA – A Temple University student has been suspended following an antisemitic incident at a Philadelphia sports bar owned by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. The incident occurred on Saturday when a customer ordered a bottle service with an antisemitic sign at Barstool Sansom Street, prompting immediate backlash and an investigation.
Immediate Impact
According to Portnoy, the sign read “F**k the Jews,” which triggered his swift response. In a video posted on social media, Portnoy expressed his outrage and detailed his efforts to identify those responsible. Two individuals were found to be involved, and two servers at the bar have since been terminated.
“The employees complied with a customer’s request for a sign in connection with ordering bottle service,” stated Barstool Sansom Street in a social media post. “We take all forms of discrimination incredibly seriously, and are particularly upset by actions taken against our Jewish patrons, colleagues, partners, and friends.”
Key Details Emerge
Temple University President John Fry addressed the incident in a letter to the university community, describing it as “deeply disturbing.” The student believed to be involved has been placed on interim suspension as the investigation continues. Fry emphasized the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism and discrimination.
“In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent. It has no place at Temple and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person or persons are not tolerated at this university,” Fry stated.
Industry Response
Portnoy, who is Jewish, decided to turn the incident into a “teaching moment.” He engaged with the families of the involved individuals and is financing their visit to Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp in Poland, to educate them on the Holocaust.
“The more I thought about it, it’s like, these are young f**king morons who did this, drunk,” Portnoy remarked. “It’s like, do you really want to ruin someone’s life?”
By the Numbers
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism on university campuses across the United States. Temple University is among 60 institutions recently scrutinized by the Department of Education for their handling of such incidents.
The Anti-Defamation League in Philadelphia released a statement condemning the message displayed at Barstool, stating, “ADL Philadelphia is aware of the offensive and hateful message ‘F*** the Jews’ that was displayed inside Barstool, a nightlife spot on Sansom Street.”
What Comes Next
The incident at Barstool Sansom Street underscores the ongoing challenges universities face in addressing antisemitism and discrimination. As investigations continue, the focus remains on educating and fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
Meanwhile, Portnoy’s decision to send the involved individuals to Auschwitz highlights a potential pathway for restorative justice and education in response to acts of hate.
The timing of this incident is particularly significant as universities nationwide grapple with similar challenges, prompting discussions on effective measures to combat discrimination and promote tolerance.
