Statement by Georgetown University Spokesperson Julie Green Bataille
Remarks attributed to Professor Emeritus Hisham Sharabi have been reported by news organizations in Lebanon. Neither Professor Sharabi, nor any other professor who expresses his or her personal views, speaks for Georgetown University.
We have no independent knowledge of the content of Professor Sharabi’s remarks. As a Catholic and Jesuit University, Georgetown University is committed to academic freedom, rational inquiry, and ecumenical dialogue.
Statement by Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia
Georgetown University promotes respect, inclusion, and understanding and has a proud history and a strong commitment to inquiry into Jewish civilization and culture as evidenced by numerous academic endeavors and campus activities. Our understanding of these issues has been informed by the long time presence of former professor and heroic witness to the holocaust Jan Karski. We offer opportunities for Jewish students to fully observe a rich faith life and for the Jewish tradition to be shared throughout the campus community. In the past year alone, we have been proud to host speakers including Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and philosopher Michael Walzer. We’re committed to deepening our intellectual resources and are exploring at Georgetown the establishment of a Center for the Study of Jewish Civilization. Georgetown condemns anti-semitism and our identity includes a strong commitment to creating and sharing what we have learned.
