UC Davis recently became aware of a zoom-bombing incident on Feb. 10 during a remote presentation by Israeli chemist, Sason Shaik. Professor Shaik, a chemistry professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was giving a virtual talk for students at UC Davis and the University of Houston when outside parties joined the call and began broadcasting antisemitic messages. The virtual “Theoretical Physical Organic Chemistry” (TPOC) symposium was organized by faculty from both universities.

UC Davis has unequivocally denounced this despicable action, calling it “vile, sickening and cowardly.” We ask you to put our Principles of Community into practice and actively denounce and discourage antisemitism (hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people), bigotry and racism and treat all with respect.

If you are in a situation where you see or experience antisemitism or any level of disrespect, racism or bigotry, we ask you to be active not passive. Stand with your fellow colleague, student or peer to de-escalate the incident. We encourage you to take action to verbally protect and come alongside of a person who has been on the receiving end of discrimination. Be an active bystander, also known as an “upstander” — someone who takes steps to speak up or step in to stop a situation from escalating or to disrupt a problematic interaction.

If you are being harassed or discriminated against, or if you are a bystander who witnessed a situation, whether it is in person or online, please report the incident.