Latest News from Campus

A UCLA antisemitism task force released a report urging the university to strengthen disciplinary processes, clarify consequences for violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and improve enforcement of existing antidiscrimination policies. Julio Frenk, the UCLA chancellor who created the Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, said the recommendations reflect a commitment to ensuring antisemitism has no place at the university. Hillel at UCLA Executive Director Daniel Gold, a member of the task force, said “While initial work of our initiative has concluded with the release of this important report, the work of everyone else at UCLA now begins to implement these changes and uphold the commitment towards a campus free of antisemitism.”

In this opinion piece, Jay Solomon, chief advancement officer for Hillel Ontario, describes how Canadian Jewish communities are confronting rising antisemitism, including on college campuses. He explains that Hillel Ontario is responding by “doubling down” – investing in Jewish confidence, literacy, and joy, and empowering students to contribute “openly and proudly to university life.”

Georgetown University Law Center replaced its 2026 commencement speaker after former Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro withdrew in response to student backlash over his public views on Israel. The school named Georgetown Law professor David Cole as his replacement. Cole, the former national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, previously condemned congressional hearings that explored the spike in campus antisemitism, saying they limited free speech.

The University of Michigan issued an apology after Faculty Senate Chair Derek Peterson praised anti-Israel student activists during a commencement speech. The university said the remarks were “hurtful and insensitive” and deviated from pre-approved comments. University President Domenico Grasso said the speech did not reflect the institution’s position and apologized for the harm caused to members of the community.

The New School administration has struck down a student government vote that sought to defund its Hillel and sever ties with Hillel International. Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said that “University leaders across the country have consistently affirmed Hillel’s critical role in supporting Jewish students and adding value to the overall campus community … Jewish life on campus through Hillel is not up for debate. We will continue to ensure every student has a place where they can belong and fully express their Jewish identities.”

Swarthmore College reported hundreds of acts of vandalism across campus after a group of activists allegedly spray-painted anti-Israel slogans and symbols on buildings, trees, and walkways. College President Val Smith said the damage could take days to remove, and stated that any students involved would face disciplinary action.