An anti-hate watchdog recently released a report that gave failing grades to some of America’s most prestigious universities for their handling of antisemitism on campus. Students, including University of Pennsylvania undergraduate Eyal Yakoby, expressed their lack of surprise at the findings, saying that the hate on campuses is prevalent. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) examined 85 schools and assigned them grades ranging from A through F based on various criteria. Some schools, such as Harvard and MIT, received failing F grades, while others like Penn, UC Berkeley, and Princeton received D grades. Cases of antisemitism have increased on campuses following the outbreak of war in Israel in October, leading to intense scrutiny of college leaders.
The University of Pennsylvania and Harvard both faced backlash and their presidents resigned following pressure after appearing before Congress in December for their handling of antisemitism on campus. A Penn spokesperson responded to the report, acknowledging the importance of combating antisemitism and vowing to work towards prevention. Jewish high school students in NYC were advised against applying to Cornell University due to reported failures in protecting Jewish students from instances of antisemitism. MIT graduate student Talia Khan, who testified on the rise of antisemitism, criticized MIT for its failing grade, stating that the administration has not taken tangible steps to improve the situation for Jewish students.
Colleges have faced protests against Israel since October, with incidents like students at Pomona College storming a building and anti-Israel protesters requiring police intervention at Rutgers University. Beyond campuses, anti-Israel agitators have shut down bridges and streets in major cities, chanting against Israel and the United States. Protests have followed Iran’s failed attack on Israel, and there are concerns that a culture of antisemitism in the U.S. has emboldened terrorists. The ADL’s report showed that only two universities received A grades, while many others received failing grades. Mothers Against College Antisemitism emphasized the need for schools to prioritize creating safe environments against hate and antisemitism on campuses.
Some universities, like Tufts, pushed back on the ADL’s findings, disagreeing with their F grade and highlighting their efforts to promote a welcoming and safe campus environment for all students, including those of Jewish descent. The ADL’s report has brought attention to the issue of antisemitism on college campuses, leading to calls for action and change from school leadership across the country. Despite differing opinions on the report’s accuracy, the concern for the rise in antisemitism and hate on campuses persists, with calls for increased efforts to combat and prevent such incidents in the future.
