Latest News from Campus

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff rejected a student government resolution that called for an end to the university’s academic partnership with The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The resolution, approved by the Student Assembly, faced criticism for singling out one institution and conflicting with Cornell’s commitment to academic freedom. Kotlikoff called the proposal politically biased and inconsistent with the university’s values.

The University of California, Berkeley reached a settlement in an antisemitism lawsuit about campus groups that have excluded Zionist speakers. As part of the agreement, the university agreed to rescind student group bylaws that bar individuals based on their support for Israel or Zionism, saying the bans “can violate university rules.”

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.