Arizona State University (ASU) hosted the ADL Desert 2025 Conference on Antisemitism and Hate, attended by over 450 people, including ASU students and faculty. During the conference, student leaders and ASU Hillel Executive Director Debbie Yunker Kail shared their personal experiences with antisemitism on campus. “Hearing directly from students about how it’s impacting them is really critical for people’s understanding,” said Yunker Kail.

In this op-ed, Jon Falk, Vice President of Hillel International’s Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program, reflects upon how Jewish students are leading campus efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. Students are organizing educational events, advocating for policy changes, and representing Jewish voices in student government. Hillel supports these critical student-led efforts by providing resources, leadership training, and a welcoming Jewish community.

The White House announced plans to freeze over $500 million of Brown University’s federal funding, citing concerns over the university’s handling of campus antisemitism and its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. University officials say they have not yet received an official notice regarding the funding freeze.

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) announced the intent to create an antisemitism advisory committee with the goal of improving the campus climate. This initiative follows the 2024 filing of a federal civil rights complaint by former student body president Tessa Veksler, who experienced antisemitism during her tenure. The university aims to strengthen safety and inclusion for Jewish and Israeli students after accusations of failing to address antisemitic harassment.

A Federal judge ruled that Jewish groups can pursue their lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley, which alleges that the university tolerated persistent antisemitic harassment toward Jewish students and faculty. The plaintiffs claim university officials were deliberately indifferent to a hostile environment on campus. The judge allowed claims related to equal protection, free exercise of religion, and civil rights to move forward.

The White House is reviewing Harvard University’s federal funding, which includes $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants. Officials are assessing whether Harvard is complying with civil rights laws following reports of antisemitism on campus. Harvard President Alan Garber said funding cuts could affect research and innovation, and that the university would “take the measures that will move Harvard and its vital mission forward.”