Drexel University is currently conducting an investigation into an incident where a Jewish student's dormitory room was set ablaze on Tuesday.
The fire, which originated from the student's door decorations in Race Hall on the West Philadelphia campus, was "intentionally" ignited, as per the police. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Philadelphia Fire Department responded to the incident and successfully extinguished the flames, as reported by the New York Post. In the wake of the incident, Drexel President John Fry issued a statement to the university community, urging them to prioritize empathy and understanding over political or religious differences.
Fry's message began by acknowledging the heightened emotions within the community following the recent Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. "I recognize that emotions are running high throughout our community as each of us continues to process the devastation and suffering in Israel and Gaza," he said. He emphasized the need for compassion towards those affected, regardless of their political or religious views.
Addressing the dormitory arson, Fry stated, "Unfortunately, we were made aware of a distressing situation that included destruction inside one of our residence halls. Thankfully, no one was injured. We are investigating to determine if bias, discrimination, or hate, which we do not tolerate at Drexel, was the motivation behind this incident."
Drexel is not the only Philadelphia university grappling with conflict in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of over 1,300 individuals, including children, women, and the elderly.
Marc Rowan, the chair of the board of Wharton, a college within the University of Pennsylvania, issued a call to action for "all UPenn alumni and supporters who believe we are heading in the wrong direction" to withhold their financial contributions until President Elizabeth Magill and Chairman Scott Bok step down.
Rowan criticized university administrators for their response to the Hamas attack, accusing them of attempting to "spin" the situation. He expressed his disgust at the perceived moral equivalence drawn between the victims of terror and the perpetrators.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, condemning American universities for tolerating anti-Israel and pro-Hamas sentiment. "What happened in Israel was barbaric!" Trump declared, affirming his support for Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump criticized American universities for allowing "open hatred against Israel and America," accusing them of failing to educate young Americans and standing by while subversive groups called for a National Day of Resistance. He called for the removal of these groups from campuses, questioning whether the "Cancel Culture" was only used against conservatives.
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