Jewish Federation Response to Louisiana College EEOC Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit filed on February 21, 2018 alleges that Louisiana College President, Dr. Rick Brewer, refused to hire a candidate for football coach because of his Jewish heritage.
Arnie D. Fielkow, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, sent the following letter to Dr. Brewer.
Dr. Brewer,
I write this letter as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans ("JFGNO"), a former City Council President for the City of New Orleans and a 25-year executive in both professional and intercollegiate athletics. I am appalled by the story which broke in Bayou Brief today involving a federal lawsuit alleging that you, as Louisiana College President, refused to approve the hiring of a top recommended candidate for football assistant coach because of the coach's "Jewish blood". I realize at this point that this is only an allegation but, if true, it is beyond horrific.
President Brewer, you lead a well-respected institution of higher learning and, as an educator, are in the business of preparing young men and women to fulfill their dreams and be successful in their future lives. Do you truly believe that unfairly singling out a particular faith and/or discriminating against people because of their religion, race or any other protected factor is the correct lesson to impart upon your students? Do you understand that your unacceptable and clearly unlawful statement (under federal law) invokes the memories of a Nazi Germany era which resulted in the murder of 6 million Jews and millions of others? It is almost unimaginable that, 80 years later, an educated man such as yourself would make such an ignorant and hateful statement.
I urge you, both personally and on behalf of Louisiana College, to immediately retract your statement and offer a public apology for your very inappropriate comments. The country and world are following you and Louisiana College, and we hope that the wrong which has been done will be quickly remedied.
Respectfully,
Arnie D. Fielkow
CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
Dr. Brewer's Response:
Dear Mr. Feilkow,
I have denied uttering these words as expressed in the following press release:
This hate-filled term has never been part of my thought-life or speech. I can’t retract that which I’ve never said. I will be glad to go on record and repudiate such language and worldview.
We are seeking to resolve this matter in the way Scripture admonishes us to do so according to 1 Corinthians 6: 1-8.
I fully understand your concern and, although I’ve not responded to others who have emailed me with hate-filled terms and vulgar name calling, I appreciate the tone and respect you offer. I am not anti-Semitic! Note just an example of the support for the Jewish community I’ve rendered as president of Louisiana College in these three short years of service:
Louisiana College has expressed its support for the Jewish community annually since Dr. Brewer was unanimously elected as the College’s ninth president in March 2015. Further, LC students were encouraged to attend these events for their enrichment and to gain “cultural credits” in fulfillment of graduation requirements.
On April 6, 2015, Louisiana College hosted the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Members of the community, including pastors from varied denominations attended, as well as members of the LC faculty, staff, administration, and students.
On April 12, 2016, the College welcomed Holocaust survivor Mr. Manny Klepper, who shared his memories of Kristallnacht – “The Night of Broken Glass,” when in 1938, members of the Hitler Youth, SS and Nazi storm troopers attacked Jewish places of business and worship.
(See http://baptistmessage.com/louisiana-college-hosting-lecture-by-holocaust-survivor-on-tuesday/)
Dr. Brewer attended Alexandria Louisiana’s annual commemoration of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and the subsequent event at Emmanuel Baptist Church on April 24, 2017.