Dear Student,
I am writing to you concerning a very troubling incident that occurred in Harleston Hall and that we are urgently trying to clear up.
At some time overnight on Saturday a personal object of religious significance to a student living in Harleston Hall went missing. Specifically, a mezuzah placed on the doorjamb of this student’s room was removed.
A mezuzah is a piece of parchment called a klaf contained in a decorative case and inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah. It is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to "write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house.” The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God’s presence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door.
Do you know what happened? Did you witness, or were you involved in any way with this object being removed? This may have been an accident, an act of poor judgment or a prank by someone or group of individuals who did not fully understand the harm it would cause. Or it may have been an intentional act. We hope--and want to believe--that is not the case, which is why we need you to come forward if you have any information. This is a highly sensitive matter that we wish to resolve immediately. We want to understand what took place, and we will keep any information you share with us confidential.
Let me be clear though. This is a serious situation. Should this be an intentional act, we will find those responsible and hold them accountable.
An investigation is underway, and if you have any knowledge of this incident--including your own involvement--it would be in your best interest to come forward now. You can contact me, your RA, the Office of Equal Opportunity, or the Tufts University Police Department by calling 617-627-3030 to share what you know. You can also report what you know anonymously via the Office of Equal Opportunity’s Ethicspoint online program. Please take whichever path is most comfortable for you. You can also reach out to any of us for support or to connect with other University resources.
For all of us, this is an important opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities towards one another. Understanding and addressing this incident would really help us begin to repair the damage this has done to our community.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
