March 21, 2025

The University of Minnesota is under federal investigation for antisemitism, highlighting the urgent need for experienced and representative leadership on the Board of Regents.

Join JCRC in asking our legislators to support Jewish finalists Benjie Kaplan and Ellen Goldberg Luger for the U of M Regent’s 5th Congressional District seat to maintain Jewish representation and ensure that Jewish students’ voices are heard during this critical time.

Use the advocacy template below to email your legislators (both in the Minnesota House and Senate). Please bcc advocacy@minndakjcrc.org for our internal tracking. 

Advocacy Template: Ensuring Jewish Representation on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents

To: [Your legislators] Find your state Senator and state Representative

Bcc: advocacy@minndakjcrc.org 

Subject: Ensuring Jewish Representation on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents

Dear [Rep./Sen. Last Name],

I hope that you are well.

As your constituent, I am writing to you today regarding the future of the University of Minnesota.

The UofM is currently under investigation by the Departments of Justice and Education for antisemitism. Sadly, the UofM is not alone — since the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish students have surged by 700%. 

As the Board of Regents and the UofM work to navigate this most difficult moment, experience and representation matter more than ever.

Going into the March 18 joint meeting of the Senate Higher Education Committee and the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, two highly respected Jewish finalists, Benjamin (Benjie) Kaplan and Ellen Goldberg Luger, were being considered for the 5th Congressional District seat on the Board of Regents.

Both Benjie and Ellen are experienced, trusted leaders who represent the mainstream Jewish community. Their voices are crucial in ensuring that Jewish students feel supported and valued.

For decades, there has been at least one Jewish member of the Board of Regents. If the Legislature chooses not to appoint either Benjie or Ellen, the Board will lack Jewish representation at a time when Jewish students are facing unprecedented hostility. This would send a troubling message to Jewish Minnesotans that our community’s concerns are being overlooked.

As the vote moves forward in the Minnesota State Legislature, I urge you to support Benjie, Ellen or both (should circumstances allow it).

Respectfully,

[Your Name]
[Address below]