Latest News from Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is reportedly closing its Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies following years of controversy regarding alleged antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, including when a guest speaker called October 7, 2023 a “beautiful day” and argued for “the eradication of Zionism.” In an op-ed, Peter Reitzes, who writes about antisemitism in North Carolina, said the anticipated closure is a positive move that “hopefully reduces the hate, antisemitism, and anti-Israel demonization that has been normalized at the university for years.”

A University of Sydney staff member faces charges of stalking or intimidation after she  allegedly harassed Jewish students and staff at a Sukkot event in October, reportedly calling attendees “parasites” and “baby killer[s].”The incident was captured on video and led to the staffer’s suspension from the university.

A Jewish student at the University of Cincinnati (UC) filed a formal complaint with the provost’s office, alleging a guest speaker made repeated antisemitic remarks during a design class. According to the complaint, the lecturer made comments such as, “Has anyone ever heard that the Jews are evil?” and “I have Jewish friends, and some Jews are good, but historically they have caused conflict and tried to take over Palestine.”

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives reintroduced the Protecting Students on Campus Act, legislation meant to increase education about students’ rights to file Title VI civil rights complaints and improve transparency on how colleges handle allegations of discrimination, including antisemitism.

Australian police charged the surviving perpetrator in the Hanukkah terror attack at Bondi Beach with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. If convicted, Naveed Akram faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The attack on December 14 left at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured.

Fresno State University officials say they are investigating multiple incidents of vandalism on campus, reporting that property was defaced with antisemitic messages that have since been removed. The university’s president notified the campus community about the investigation and condemned the acts saying, “Antisemitism, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination run counter to our values and to the environment we are committed to upholding.”