University of Miami investigating antisemitic statements made at campus event
The University of Miami released a statement that it is investigating antisemitic statements made during an argument at a campus event on Tuesday.
During the Spring Involvement Fair, Kaylee Mahony, a sophomore who has a large TikTok following, started an argument with members of the Students Supporting Israel club, stating, “Christianity, which says love everyone, meanwhile your Bible says eating with someone who is a non-Jew is like eating with an animal. That’s what the Talmud says,” The Miami Hurricane student newspaper reported.
A student who wished to remain anonymous recorded a video of the exchange. Hurricane reporters watched the video.
In the clip, Mahony also said, “That’s what these people follow. That’s what these people follow. They think that if you are not a Jew you are an animal. That’s the Talmud. That’s the Talmud.”
In an email to a Hurricane reporter, Mahony said she made the statements because club members said they follow the Talmud and “referencing the disgusting verses of the Talmud is not being antisemitic. Asking someone about the book that they use as their moral compass isn’t antisemitic.”
University of Miami officials released a statement Wednesday saying, “The incident that occurred is being investigated thoroughly.”
“We strongly support our students’ rights to freedom of expression. However, we understand lines can be crossed. As such, the University has proactive policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students,” the statement reads.
The Hurricane reports that Mahony lists herself in her LinkedIn biography as the head of public relations for UM’s College Republicans club.
But Lazaro Chaves, the president of the club, told the paper that the executive board unanimously decided to terminate Mahony’s membership.
“What happened today is disgusting,” Chavez told the Hurricane. “This is not an organization that accepts hate. This is not an organization that wants to see antisemitism run wild or any form of discriminatory behavior rampant. It’s completely against not only my own personal views, but it’s also completely against the club’s views.”
