Latest News from Campus

Harvard University recently appointed Elom Tettley-Tamaklo, an anti-Israel activist, as a graduate teaching fellow. Tettley-Tamaklo, an undergraduate student at the time, assaulted a Jewish student during an anti-Israel protest in 2023 and did not face disciplinary charges from the university. In related news, Columbia University promoted history professor Manan Ahmed from associate professor to full professor. In May 2024, Ahmed prevented Jewish students from entering a pro-Palestinian encampment.

85% of Jewish students reported experiencing or witnessing antisemitic activity on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, according to a survey by Penn Hillel. The survey also showed that while 96% of respondents reported pride in their Jewish identity, more than one in three Jewish students felt the need to hide their identity on campus.

Cornell Graduate Students United voted to adopt an “International Solidarity with the Palestinian Liberation Struggle” statement that endorses the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, urges members to reject funding tied to U.S. and Israeli militaries, and calls on the university to disclose and divest from “morally reprehensible” investments. The statement also affirms Palestinians’ right to “resist oppression by any means necessary,” language that Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell and the Jewish Graduate Student Association say introduces “hate and division” on campus, and creates a hostile climate for all students, including Jewish and Israeli graduate students.

Northwestern University agreed to pay the federal government $75 million over three years to restore nearly $790 million in frozen federal research funds and end a government antisemitism investigation. The university also agreed to strengthen protections for Jewish students, review international admissions, and provide training on campus norms.

Israeli basketball player Yarden Garzon plays for the Maryland Terrapins while balancing campus life and keeping in touch with her family in Israel, including her twin sister. While the distance has taken an emotional toll, Yarden leans on Maryland Hillel for support and connection.

Columbia University rejected three anti-Israel divestment proposals submitted by students, faculty, and staff. The university’s Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing said the proposals, submitted in December 2024, were too broad, impractical, or lacked sufficient consensus. The committee noted it rejected similar divestment efforts earlier this year.