A Temple University student faces suspension after an antisemitic sign displayed at Philadelphia’s Barstool Sansom Street bar went viral Saturday.
The incident, involving a three-word expletive targeting Jews, prompted immediate backlash and a police investigation. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who is Jewish, fired two employees and revealed two others agreed to visit Auschwitz concentration camp as part of a “learning experience.”
This controversy is coming amid increased scrutiny of campus antisemitism from the Trump administration.
University Vows “Strict Action” as Bar Issues Apology
Temple University President John Fry confirmed Sunday that one student received interim suspension, warning others involved face expulsion under the Student Conduct Code.
The bar, closed Sunday, posted an Instagram statement expressing shame over employees violating its “zero tolerance” hate speech policy. Portnoy, in emotional X videos, disclosed the perpetrators—customers who ordered the illuminated sign with drinks—would visit the Nazi death camp, calling it “a fair outcome.”
What This Means
The incident shows a troubling increase in antisemitic acts at U.S. colleges, with Portnoy noting unprecedented hatred targeting his Jewish identity in recent years.
At the time of filing this report, federal officials are monitoring university responses and Temple has become the latest institution grappling with off-campus hate speech implications.
