Latest News from Campus

Toronto police arrested an anti-Israel activist, for allegedly using a drill bit to break a glass door during an IDF veterans’ speaking tour at Toronto Metropolitan University. Qabil Ibrahim, who is the sixth anti-Israel activist to have been charged in relation to the incident, faces charges including forcible entry, assault, unlawful assembly while masked, property damage, and interference.

Two Jewish alumni sued Chapman University, claiming they faced “a campaign of harassment lasting for the entire duration of the 2023-2024 school year, enacted with Chapman’s direct approval,” citing death threats and desecration  of Oct. 7 memorials. The lawsuit centers on alleged Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act.

In a recent opinion piece, a Harvard student published advice in the student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, suggesting it is acceptable to end friendships with peers solely because they identify as “Zionists.” In response, The Crimson received dozens of letters to the editors rebutting the idea that it is okay to shun other students because of their faith, religious beliefs, or connection to the Jewish state. One of the responses was written by the Executive Committee of the Harvard Chaplains, who said that they are “profoundly troubled by any normalization of shunning or socially ostracizing individuals or groups based on their religious identity.”

The University of Wyoming is investigating incidents on campus where pumpkins and a “free speech ball” carved with antisemitic and violent messages, including phrases like “Kill Jews” and Nazi symbols, were placed on campus. University officials removed the display and are reviewing the incidents as potential discrimination or harassment.

The University of Maryland student government voted 25-0 to pass two non-binding resolutions, including one that seeks to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces from speaking on campus. The resolution came after an event on campus that featured former IDF soldiers. Student government resolutions do not impact campus policy unless approved by the university.

The Cornell University Graduate Student Union (CGSU) is pushing forward a BDS resolution that accuses Jewish students of “weaponizing antisemitism.” Jewish students say they were removed from the union’s listserv and excluded from communications about the resolution, leaving many unaware of its content and vote. Cornell University has not yet responded.