John, during the last school year, it felt like every day brought another outrage on campus. The unprecedented surge in antisemitism was utterly unacceptable, and yet far too many administrations failed to respond effectively.

The world hasn’t quieted down since then... Just days ago, a devastating Hezbollah attack hit a playground and soccer field, killing 10 Druze Israeli youths and children. Here in the U.S., extremists are linking antisemitic conspiracy theories to anti-Zionism while anti-Israel protesters call for escalation.

So as we approach the new school year, it seems inevitable that hate and harassment directed towards supporters of Israel and towards Jewish students in general will emerge again on campus unless administrations commit to resetting their campus cultures in ways that finally prioritize the safety and security of their Jewish communities.

Teaming Up to Take Action

Today, we are joining with Hillel International, Jewish Federations of North America, American Jewish Committee and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations and a dozen more partners to speak as one, providing comprehensive recommendations to combat antisemitism on campus.

We need the leaders on every campus to:

• Clearly Communicate Campus Rules, Standards and Policies: Make clear to students what it means to be a member of the campus community, and ensure students, faculty and staff are aware of school policies on protests and demonstrations.
• Support Jewish Students: Prevent discrimination, unequivocally denounce antisemitism, ensure inclusivity and provide antisemitism education and training.
• Ensure Campus Safety: Enforce university codes of conduct, maintain clear reporting avenues for antisemitic incidents, ensure campus staff are trained to address violations to campus rules and reaffirm rejection of the BDS movement.
• Reaffirm Faculty Responsibilities: Ensure academic freedom and a non-discriminatory learning environment in the classroom. Communicate and enforce policies regarding faculty who threaten to withhold students’ grades or cancel mandatory classes.

As part of this joint effort, we will provide school administrations with clear guidance and practical solutions to ensure a safer environment for Jewish students, and all students. Read more about these vital recommendations, then click here to send a message to the President of a college or university you care about. Tell them that you expect them to do more to protect the well-being of Jewish students.

Now is the time for every leader on every campus to commit to these measures so that this year is a better one for every student.

Thank you,

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL