Viral Incident Sparks Immediate Action and Public Outcry
A Temple University student faced suspension after being involved in an antisemitic incident that occurred at a Philadelphia sports bar. The situation escalated quickly when a video showing a three-word sign containing a slur against Jews circulated online.
The offensive sign appeared on Saturday night at Barstool Sansom Street, where two customers reportedly ordered drinks along with the message on an illuminated board. The incident drew strong criticism on social media and caught national attention.
Bar Owner Dave Portnoy Takes Swift Action
Dave Portnoy, the Jewish founder of Barstool Sports, responded quickly. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his outrage and laid out the disciplinary steps. 
Rather than delay, Portnoy fired two employees involved in the incident. Meanwhile, two other individuals agreed to travel to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp in Poland, as part of a learning experience.
“I believe this is a fair outcome,” said Portnoy. He also mentioned that, over the past year and a half, he has personally experienced more antisemitism than ever in his 20 years of running Barstool.
Temple University Responds Firmly
The university did not hesitate to address the situation. On Sunday, Temple University President John Fry issued a statement confirming that Temple students were involved.
So far, the university has suspended one student. Furthermore, Fry warned that any additional students found guilty will face strict consequences under the Student Conduct Code, including possible expulsion.
Bar Issues Public Apology
Barstool Sansom Street temporarily closed on Sunday and released an official apology on Instagram. The statement read:
“We are saddened, embarrassed, and frustrated by this incident. Several employees ignored their training and violated our zero-tolerance policy for hate and discrimination.”
Clearly, the management acknowledged its internal failure and promised to do better moving forward.
Broader Context of Rising Campus Antisemitism
This case has reignited concerns about how colleges in the U.S. deal with antisemitic behavior. The Trump administration had already placed colleges under scrutiny for their handling of such incidents.
Given this climate, Temple University’s response may set a new precedent for how schools tackle hate speech—even when it happens off-campus.
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