September 8, 1991

Chancellor W. Ann Reynolds
City University of New York
535 East 80th Street
New York, NY 10036

Dear Chancellor Reynolds:

On behalf of the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council, I write to express our condemnation of remarks by Leonard Jeffries, who is on City College's faculty. The Council which considered this matter at its August 26th meeting, condemns Mr. Jeffries' remarks as extreme, outrageous and violent. Indeed, the Council stands against racism and prejudice no matter where, or against whom, it is directed. Mr. Jeffries has a right to his poorly-conceived views, but not at taxpayer expense. Taxpayers have rights also. Such hate-mongering belongs nowhere. If this so-called teacher wishes to continue an academic career, let him go to a private institution, if one would hire him.

Each day brings new revelations about the circumstances of his original hiring at City College. Along with his remarks, his admitted lack of scholarship on his supposed area of academic expertise make clear the need for City University to take appropriate steps now to rectify past mistakes regarding the hiring of this person who preaches hate.

Academic freedom ought not to protect any individual who does not meet the basic qualifications in scholarship demanded of any other University Professors and departmental chairs.

Shame on Leonard Jeffries for his espousal of hate akin to Nazi theories of racial purity and Klu Klux Klan theories of White/Christian Supremacy. Shame on those who hired him at City College when he has yet to demonstrate (and continues to fail in this important standard) the academic achievement required of others. Shame on those who permit him to continue in his taxpayer funded position. Shame on those who fail to condemn Leonard Jeffries outrageous speech.

Corey B. Bearak
President
Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council

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