Temple University suspends student after antisemitic stunt at Barstool Sports bar in Philly

Temple University has suspended student Mohammed “Mo” Khan following reports of his alleged involvement in a disturbing antisemitic incident that took place at a Barstool Sports bar in Philadelphia on Saturday night. The university acted swiftly after video and social media posts revealed a group of individuals holding a sign that read "F*ck the Jews" while partying.

Temple University President John Fry issued a public statement on Sunday addressing the incident. “At approximately 3 p.m., the university became aware of reports that Temple students were involved in an antisemitic incident at an off-campus location last night,” Fry wrote. “This is deeply disturbing, and it is with profound regret that I must share this news with our community.”

Khan, the first student publicly linked to the incident, has been placed on interim suspension as the university's Division of Student Affairs continues its investigation. President Fry made it clear that the university will pursue disciplinary action against any additional students found to be involved, up to and including expulsion.

"In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent. It has no place at Temple, and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person or persons are not tolerated at this university," Fry emphasized. He also urged anyone with additional information to contact the Dean of Students and encouraged reports of discrimination to be submitted through the university's public safety and compliance channels.

In addition to his alleged role in the recent incident, Khan’s past social media activity has come under scrutiny. A Snapchat post from February that surfaced after the event contained more antisemitic content, further intensifying the backlash.

The incident gained national attention after Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy released a video condemning the actions and vowing to respond decisively. Initially, Portnoy said he was on a “mission to ruin” the lives of those involved, but in a follow up video stated he would pursue a more educational route.

“These are young f*cking morons who did this. They’re drunk,” Portnoy said. “Do you really want to ruin somebody’s life?... Maybe I can use this as a teaching moment.”

Portnoy announced he would send the two main individuals responsible for the sign to Auschwitz as part of a collaboration with an anti-hate organization connected to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “They’re gonna do a tour of the concentration camps… Hopefully learn something,” Portnoy added.

Auschwitz, located in Poland, was a Nazi concentration and extermination camp where more than 1.1 million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.

This incident comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, more than 9,300 such incidents were reported last year, over half of which were related to Israel, following the Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023.