Title VI Cases. Several universities have settled antisemitism-related Title VI discrimination cases with the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) in recent weeks, including the University of California system, Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins University. Despite this uptick, over 100 existing cases are not yet resolved. Some experts expect that the upcoming Trump administration may handle cases differently than the Biden administration.

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Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins University reached a settlement with the Department of Education after complaints of antisemitism and Islamophobia were levelled against the university post-10/7. The DOE found that the university failed to address antisemitic incidents and applied incorrect legal standards in evaluating hostile environments on campus. ADL welcomes the agreement’s terms: “We are encouraged by JHU’s commitment to implement annual trainings, develop and administer a climate assessment for students and staff, and review JHU’s response to each report of discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of shared ancestry. Jewish students and all students should never feel unsafe on their campus.”

(Source: Frank Chen | Flickr)

The Right Fit. As a high school senior pondering college options, Jessy Siegman has so many factors affecting her choices. She notes one big difference between her college search and that of her older sister. “When choosing the college that was the best fit for her, my sister never factored in her level of concern for her safety. Instead, she asked questions about class sizes and living requirements. Over the last year, I have found myself asking admission counselors if Jewish students feel safe at night on campus.” Jessy and her peers are tackling these new challenges, and intent on finding the right college that will let them speak up proudly and show their identity.

DEEPER: Looking for more ways to see whether a school is right for a student? Check out ADL’s Campus Antisemitism Report Card and list of questions to ask when you are considering a school.

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U.S. Jewish Students Unite. Harvard alumnus Shabbos Kestenbaum has called for unity between Israeli and U.S. Jews, applauding ways that young American Jews have “woken up” since the 10/7 attacks to speak up in support of Israel. From campus rallies to pressuring policymakers, students are actively advocating for Israel’s security and the hostages’ release. Kestenbaum highlighted the importance of collaboration, pointing to Israel’s new $150 million investment to combat global antisemitism and amplify its narrative. His message is clear to both Israeli and American Jews: “our fight is their fight, and their fight is our fight.”

Leading With Purpose. 40 pro-Israel student leaders from over 30 prestigious universities, including Stanford, Columbia and Michigan joined a transformative leadership trip to Israel. The mission deepened their understanding of Israel’s security challenges and historical connections while equipping them with advocacy tools to counter rising campus antisemitism and misinformation. Participants visited strategic sites, engaged with Israeli officials like President Isaac Herzog, and attended workshops with prominent activists like Natan Sharansky. “The only way to combat this is through knowledge – knowledge that empowers all of us to stand up for ourselves and for Jewish people everywhere,” said one participant… “That’s why this trip, and trips like these, are so important.”

(Source: Israelambassadors.com)

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Shooting for Greatness. Israeli basketball star Lior Garzon, now at the University of Colorado, has excelled in her college career. Now one of the key players on the CU women’s team, Garzon was encouraged by her family to stay in school and to represent Israel in this important way rather than to return home. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, she and her sister Yarden, who plays at Indiana, balance their basketball careers with their responsibility on representing Israel. “We want people to notice what we are going through, what Israel is about, and put it on the big stage… If we went home, we would feel better. We could know exactly what’s going on, and we could be with our family. But I feel like we are doing something valuable for our country here.” Yarden said.

• Students — how to take action, deal with antisemitism, and organize your community.
• Alumni — how to organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
• Parents — write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
• Faculty and Staff — support for impacted faculty and staff, and guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• Glossary of Commonly Used Antisemitic Phrases Heard at Protests.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — see the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.
• Are you a student or know one who needs legal help? Contact our Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), run by ADL, Hillel, the Brandeis Center, and Gibson Dunn. Hundreds of incidents have been reported. You are not alone!

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