A Critical Discourse Analysis of University Responses to the Shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue

Steven Feldman

The Journal of Higher Education, 2025, vol. 96, issue 6, 909-935

Abstract: The attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA on October 27, 2018, prompted many institutions of higher education to respond to the attack as a show of support for Jewish community members at their institution. This study engages in a Critical Discourse Analysis to determine how university leaders utilized language to discuss the shooting and how they framed Jewish identity and antisemitism in the process. Drawing on two conceptual frameworks, HebCrit and institutional speech acts as non-performatives, analysis from 26 universities revealed seven discursive practices: naming Jewish identity and antisemitism; categorizing Jewish identity; “All Lives Matter”ing the Tree of Life shooting; grieving, mourning, thoughts & prayers; offering support; employing institutional values statements; and finally, defining institutional leadership’s role. The article concludes with implications for future research as well as implications for university leaders seeking to write institutional statements and create a more inclusive environment for Jewish people.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2024.2424130

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