Latest News from Campus

The federal government filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, accusing the school of failing to address antisemitism and permitting severe harassment of Jewish and Israeli students on campus, including physical assault, stalking, and exclusion from campus facilities. The complaint alleges Harvard “turned a blind eye” to antisemitism on campus, allowing anti-Israel protesters to violate rules “with impunity.” Harvard denied the claims and said it has taken “substantive, proactive steps to address the root causes of antisemitism” and enforces its anti-discrimination policies.

Hillel International brought together college counselors, campus leaders, and students for a Virtual College Prep Series session on navigating the final stages of the college decision process. Speakers encouraged students to look beyond rankings and focus on factors that shape daily life, including campus environment and community. They also emphasized the importance of exploring Jewish life on campus and understanding how universities respond to antisemitism when making a final decision.

University police at San Jose State University are investigating graffiti found on building walls that called for the “eradication of Jews,” along with other hateful and violent language. The graffiti targeted multiple communities, including Jewish, Muslim, and Asian groups. University officials say they have not identified a credible threat, but the incident raised safety concerns on campus.

Hillel at Maryville University is bringing on Johanna Elkana to lead Jewish student life on campus and to strengthen connections with the broader St. Louis Jewish community. Elkana holds experience in education and Jewish community work, and plans to expand programming, including Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations.

Columbia University reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by Jewish students who alleged the school failed to address rising antisemitism on campus. The complaint claimed, in part, that the university did not adequately protect Jewish and Israeli students as incidents escalated in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks. As a result of the settlement, Columbia committed to expanding antisemitism-related programming, creating new Israel-related scholarships, and considering adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell broke ground on a new, state-of the -art Jewish student center, Harkavy Hall, which will serve as a hub for Jewish life on campus. The 24,000-square-foot building will include a Beit Midrash for Torah study, a kosher café, event space for Shabbat dinners, and areas for community gatherings.