DENVER (KDVR) — An organization has been using mobile billboards to name those who it claims are anti-Semitic, and the latest project has been spotted near the University of Colorado Boulder.
According to Steve Hurlbert, the director of communications at CU, these mobile billboards were created by the group Accuracy in Media. The organization's website describes itself as using "citizen activism and investigative journalism to expose media bias, corruption, and public policy failings."
Recently, the group has used mobile billboards to work against anti-Semitism on American college campuses, according to Accuracy in Media.
Anti-Semitism is described as hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.
"We’ll be sending the billboard trucks to these places, naming and shaming those who spout these vile views," said Accuracy in Media.
This week, the mobile billboards have been spotted near CU's campus.
FOX31 reached out to CU and learned that the billboards showed names and photos of faculty and staff under the title "Boulder's Leading Antisemites.”
CU said four faculty members and two staff members were posted. All of them work in the university's Department of Ethnic Studies.
FOX31 reached out to Accuracy in Media, which said CU was chosen, among other universities, because "reports of concerning antisemitic behavior are on the rise."
Following the arrival of the billboards, the university released a statement condemning what they call tactics to intimidate or threaten.
The University of Colorado Boulder condemns tactics designed to intimidate and threaten our students, faculty, and staff. Outside groups publicly attempting to shame CU community members is not a productive way to address the difficult conversations facing our society in a respectful and civil manner.
We will continue to support all of our students, faculty, and staff and have provided resources to those who have been maliciously identified against their will. If anyone affiliated with CU Boulder feels they are the target of discrimination or harassment, please reach out to the Office of Victim Assistance. For a full list of resources and information available to students, faculty and staff, please visit CU Boulder’s Israel-Hamas resource page."
University of Colorado Boulder
Accuracy in Media released the following statement in regard to the billboards.
The surge in antisemitic sentiment we've seen at American universities is disgusting and concerning. The October 7 attacks emboldened these hateful antisemites to come out of the shadows and brazenly call for the destruction of Israel. This is unacceptable, and it's time to send a message to these students and faculty members that their hate has no place here. It's time to hold these radicals accountable. We are calling on employers to closely examine their hiring practices and take a hard stand against employing antisemites."
Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette
While CU has spoken out against the billboards, Hurlbert said the billboards are driving on a public campus. So, as long as the truck is not blocking traffic or disrupting campus operations, Accuracy in Media is allowed to drive around Boulder.
Hurlbert also said the billboards were spotted around the University Hill neighborhood on Tuesday.
CU Boulder Police is closely monitoring the situation.