B’nai Brith Investigates Discrimination Against Jews at University of Washington

Aroused at reports of discrimination against Jewish students at the University of Washington, the national executive offices of B’nai B’rith today launched an investigation into recent University incidents. Dr. I. M. Rubinow, executive secretary of the B’nai B’rith, called the investigation, which will be made through the Seattle lodge of the B’nai B’rith order.

How the Jewish Daily Bulletin, carrying the report of the recent Shevuoth incident at the University, caused launching of the probe into anti-Jewish-practices was revealed in Dr. Rubinow’s telegram here.

In his message to President Leo Meltzer of the Seattle B’nai Brith lodge, Dr. Rubinow declared that he had noticed an account in the Jewish Daily Bulletin of five Jewish University students taking “incompletes” in their work because they chose to go to the synagogue instead of taking final examinations on Shevuoth.

The Shevuoth incident came on the heels of a University ruling that, beginning in October, Jewish law students at the University will be compelled to attend classes on Saturday. The law school rule provoked nation-wide comment in Jewish circles.

As the first step in the B’nai B’rith investigation, Mr. Meltzer sought an audience with President M. Lyle Spencer of the University and after delay, heard Dr. Spencer’s explanation of the rulings.

University authorities contend that Jewish students must make their choice between going to school on Saturday in the law school or observing the Jewish Sabbath and not attending law school. In the Shevuoth incident, the same argument was put forth.

Dr. Rubinow’s telegram indicated that attention of the B’nai B’rith has been brought to the situation at the University and that immedite action will be forthcoming to effect any remedies possible and to forestall any further discrimination against Jewish students, Mr. Meltzer declared.