Stanford Report, April 19, 2006

In print and on the air

ARNOLD M. EISEN, the newly named chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the flagship rabbinical school in Conservative Judaism, told the New York Times April 11 that it is time for the movement to lift its ban on gay rabbis. Eisen, the Daniel E. Koshland Professor in Jewish Culture and Religion, is not a rabbi but is considered one of the country's leading scholars of modern Judaism. In an interview with the Times, Eisen outlined some of his priorities, which include reinvigorating synagogue life and strengthening the connection of American Jews to Israel. On the issue of gay rabbis, he said, "I'd like to see it possible for gay and lesbian students to be ordained." Eisen said he preferred not to take a stance on whether rabbis should be allowed to conduct same-sex union ceremonies because it did not directly fall under his purview as chancellor. But he noted that some Conservative rabbis are already doing them. Eisen said he plans to begin a dialogue next year with the seminary's faculty on the issue of admitting gay and lesbian students to the rabbinate and cantorial school. Eisen's opinion is based on "just knowing gay and lesbian people, friends, students, co-workers; and the sense that Judaism has always adapted itself to fit changing circumstances," he said. "Not every change is good, but this is one in which I think it's time."

With almost 2 million people rallying nationwide April 10 in support of immigrants' rights, observers said a civil rights movement has emerged that marks a new voice in American politics, the San Jose Mercury News reported April 12. The record-setting marches included a gathering in San Jose of 25,000 people, many of them illegal immigrants, who walked from East San Jose to a rally at city hall. "The crux of what immigrants are asking for is to be treated equally and fairly," law Associate Professor JAYASHRI SRIKANTIAH said. "That's the core of the civil rights message." Srikantiah is director of Stanford Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic. ALBERT CAMARILLO, the Miriam and Peter Haas Centennial Professor in Public Service, said he sees a social movement—not a political movement—emerging. The demonstrations can inspire a new generation of Latinos and young immigrants "who feel they've been given a raw deal" to forge a common agenda and identity for citizens and immigrants, he said. "From that can bloom social movements," he added. "No one really knows where this will take us, but the potential is there."