Latest News from Campus

The University of Maryland’s student government cast a symbolic vote to bar former Israel Defense Forces soldiers from speaking on campus, claiming their presence undermines the university’s values of safety and inclusion. Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, responded that, “We proudly support bringing IDF soldiers to campus and connecting students with Israel, our ancestral Jewish homeland,” adding that the resolution “fosters hate and division rather than the open exchange of ideas that should define our university.” A university of Maryland official said that the symbolic vote will have “no bearing on university policy or practice.”

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.

Cornell University agreed to a $60 million settlement with the White House in order to restore access to more than $250 million in frozen federal funding. As part of the agreement, Cornell will pay $20 million per year for the next three years, and conduct a campus climate survey to ensure Jewish students’ safety, among other remedies.

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.

Claremont Hillel will open its new Jewish life house in the spring of 2026, providing a dedicated space for students to gather and connect at the California school for the first time. A longtime vision of Claremont Hillel Executive Director Dr. Bethany Slater, the expansion was accelerated when events following October 7th showed the increased need for a stronger community hub and physical home for Jewish life on campus.