Former Clark University Holocaust Studies Director Resigns Amid Heckling Incident

Mary Jane Rein, the former executive director of Clark University's Holocaust studies center, has resigned from her position to join Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Rein's decision to leave Clark University came after she was heckled by students during a pro-Israel lecture and felt unsupported by the university's administration.

The incident occurred when protesters interrupted a speaker, a soldier from the Israeli Defense Forces, and Rein was heckled by three Clark University PhD students. Rein, who is Jewish, said a Clark administrator later admonished her for using her university affiliation, which she felt was due to her Jewish identity and support for Israel. Clark University denied allegations of admonishing Rein, stating they provided guidance to her about clarifying her capacity when participating in future activities.

In an op-ed titled "Why I'm leaving Clark University," Rein cited the heckling incident as a key reason for her departure. She said she found a "warmer welcome and more commonality of purpose" at the Catholic Assumption University, where she has been appointed as the first Director of the newly launched Center for Civic Friendship. The center aims to promote the exchange of ideas and respectful disagreement among citizens.

Why this matters: The incident sheds light on the difficulties colleges in Massachusetts face with issues of freedom of expression since the Israel-Hamas war. It also highlights the challenges Jewish faculty members can encounter when expressing support for Israel on campus.

Thomas Kühne, director of the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, expressed disappointment over Rein's public resignation but said the exchange of arguments on sensitive issues can get overheated. Clark University's president, David Fithian, acknowledged Rein's long service but noted the administration's limited ability to hold students accountable for off-campus behavior. "The incident shed light on the difficulties colleges in Massachusetts face with issues of freedom of expression since the Israel-Hamas war," Fithian said in a statement.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Jane Rein, ex-director of Clark Univ. Holocaust center, resigned to join Assumption Univ.
• Rein was heckled by Clark Univ. students during a pro-Israel lecture, felt unsupported by admin.
• Rein cited the heckling incident as a key reason for her departure, found "warmer welcome" at Assumption.
• Incident highlights challenges Jewish faculty face expressing support for Israel on college campuses.
• Clark Univ. acknowledged Rein's service but noted limited ability to hold students accountable off-campus.