The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will investigate antisemitism on college campuses and provide recommendations to Congress on effective strategies to address the issue. A recent study from Hillel International and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows that over 83% of college students say they have either witnessed or experienced antisemitism on campus since October 7, 2023.
The University of Michigan suspended its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), known at Michigan as Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), for two years in response to repeated violations of school policies. The suspension follows allegations that the group broke university rules regarding harassment and student safety during protests and rallies, including an unauthorized protest at the home of a university regent.
According to a new survey conducted by Hillel International and the ADL, 83% of Jewish college students say they have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the October 7 attack on Israel. Additionally, two-thirds of Jewish students (66%) expressed a lack of confidence in their universities’ ability to prevent and address antisemitic incidents.
Adam Lehman, the president and CEO of Hillel International, and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the ADL, discuss the critical need for greater action from universities to properly address the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. Lehman and Greenblatt write that universities must take stronger action to ensure Jewish students feel safe and supported on campus, which includes enforcing rules and codes of conduct as well as speaking out unequivocally against antisemitism.
The White House issued an executive order that will require government agencies and departments to submit reports within 60 days, identifying both civil and criminal authorities in each agency that will be tasked with addressing antisemitism. Included in the executive order is an intent to cancel visas for foreign students who violate existing U.S. law.
Boston University’s Hillel and the BU Catholic Center have launched a multi-week Interfaith Learning Cohort to engage students in discussions on faith, identity, and shared values. The program aims to promote mutual understanding through guided conversations and collaborative learning, and provides a $300 stipend to participating students.