A student at Temple University has been suspended following an antisemitic incident at a Barstool Sports bar in Center City over the weekend. The incident involved an illuminated sign displaying a hateful message about Jews.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy addressed the situation in videos posted online. He expressed outrage over the sign, which was reportedly ordered with bottle service at Barstool Sansom Street.
Portnoy initially announced he would send the individuals involved to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp, as a learning experience. He stated this was intended to be a "teachable moment."
However, Portnoy later stated he had revoked the offer for one of the individuals after that person claimed they were not directly involved and had only documented the event. He cited social media activity contradicting this claim.
Temple University President John Fry confirmed the involvement of university students in the off-campus incident. In a statement, he announced that one student had been placed on interim suspension. WPVI reported Fry saying the incident does not represent the Temple community or its values.
Fry added that any other students found to be involved could face strict disciplinary action, including expulsion, under the Student Conduct Code.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia commented on the incident through its Director of Government Affairs, Robin Schatz. Schatz stated there is no place for this kind of speech, noting that her colleagues spend their days working against antisemitism.
Barstool Sansom St. posted a statement expressing sadness, embarrassment, and frustration over the incident. The statement also said that several employees who ignored training and policy regarding discrimination zero tolerance were fired.
Philadelphia police confirmed they are investigating the matter. The Anti-Deflamation League is also reportedly conducting an evaluation of the incident.
Rabbi David Kushner, a chaplain with the Philadelphia police department, said Portnoy reached out to him and was distraught over what occurred.
Portnoy said in his video addressing the incident that he had seen more antisemitism in the past year and a half than in his previous two decades running Barstool.
