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Michigan. The University of Michigan has suspended Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE) for up to two years,
citing multiple violations of campus policies. The suspension, announced by Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones, follows a formal complaint filed in October over incidents including a die-in demonstration at Festifall and a protest at a university regent’s home. The student judiciary recommended limited sanctions, but Jones expanded the penalties to include suspension of the group, which also acts as the SJP umbrella organization. The university, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of upholding policies to maintain a safe and inclusive campus environment.
👉 TAKE ACTION: Santa Ono, University of Michigan president, will be speaking at ADL’s Never Is Now, the world’s largest summit on antisemitism and hate, to discuss antisemitism on campus. Register now!
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(Source: @safemich, @umichfsjp, @jvpumich | Instagram) |
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CUNY. The faculty union at the City University of New York has narrowly passed a BDS resolution, which could lead to divesting Professional Staff Congress (PSC) funds from Israel-connected investments. Both the university and NY Governor Hochul have come out against this action, with a CUNY spokesperson saying “this vote does not reflect the university’s position or our values. CUNY will not participate in any form of BDS activity.” The
resolution by the PSC, which represents 30,000 members, passed by a narrow 73-70 vote by delegates and the union says that its executive council and principal officers opposed the measure.
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U.S. Congress. A bipartisan coalition of over 60 lawmakers reintroduced the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act
on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer and joined by Reps. Dan Goldman, Michael McCaul and others, the bill mandates a nationwide audit of Holocaust education programs, assessing which states require Holocaust education and the quality of existing curricula. Sponsors emphasize the urgency of the legislation amid rising antisemitism and fading Holocaust awareness, particularly among younger generations. Gottheimer stated that education is vital to ensuring "Never Again" is more than just a phrase, but “a reality.”
DEEPER: Tell Congress to improve Holocaust Education across the country and urge your representative to help pass the HEAL Act.
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Columbia. Columbia University is investigating anti-Israel vandalism which took place last week at the School of International and Public Affairs and the Business School. The university and law enforcement are working to identify the perpetrators.
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Germany. In response to a surge of antisemitic incidents during anti-Israel protests on campuses, the German Bundestag has passed a cross-party resolution
against antisemitism in education. The motion, supported by the SPD, CDU/CSU, AfD, Greens, and FDP, outlines sanctions for antisemitic behavior in schools and universities, including temporary exclusion and de-registration. It also emphasizes enhanced training for educators, greater security for Jewish students and staff, and further support for antisemitism research. | |
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A San Francisco Treat. A much-needed overhaul of the Hillel serving San Francisco's universities just got a boost
from a $2.5M gift that puts the building campaign in the home stretch. Ironically, an antisemitic graffiti attack on the Hillel building is helping with this fundraising push. The vandalism last December inspired an immediate sizeable donation, and philanthropist Nancy Grand also made this latest donation with a nod to the urgency fueled by that December attack. In explaining why she gave, Grand added that “hopefully other people will realize how important it is and join in.” Unsurprisingly, enhanced security for the renovated site is an “absolute must” and is built into the construction plan.
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Union Due for Political Views? Academic unions should affirm their institutional neutrality,
focusing on labor issues as opposed to political activism. Due to laws requiring exclusive union representation, professors can be forced to support their union even when they oppose political positions the union takes. Professor Colleen Eren highlights cases where unions took controversial stances, such as endorsing candidates or issuing anti-Israel statements post-10/7. She writes: “What I am arguing is that due to laws making exclusive representation compulsory, unions should adopt neutrality on political issues that do not impact the primary purpose of academic unions: advocating for professors’ interests as workers.” | |
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Courage & Faith Unbroken. Agam Berger, the last of five female Israeli soldiers held captive in Gaza, was released after 482
days being held by terrorists. Recently labelled the "mystery braider," she reportedly braided the hair of fellow hostages, a gesture now being honored worldwide. Supporters are wearing braids, hosting challah-braiding events, and sharing stories of support on social media. Berger’s commitment to Shabbat and kosher observance while in captivity has also inspired many around the world.
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Habla Israel? A “hackathon” for hundreds of Israeli high school students generated a wave of ideas about how to build connections between them and their peers in Spanish-speaking countries. The “Building Bridges”
program is yet another outcome of 10/7 and focus on shoring up connections between Israeli and diaspora Jews. As Alon Friedman, the executive director of the Israeli organization Enter, which is leading this program, said, the aim is to instill in participants the notion of a family, with half living at home and others living outside the home but still sharing the same traditions and history. The overall program will include seven Israeli schools and a Jewish day school in each participating Spanish-speaking country.
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(Source: Image courtesy of Enter Alliance) |
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Students — how to take action, deal with antisemitism, and organize your community.
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Alumni — how to organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
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Parents — write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
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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.
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Glossary of Commonly Used Antisemitic Phrases Heard at Protests.
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Campus Antisemitism Report Card — see the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
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Report an Antisemitic Incident.
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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!
Do you have something to share with us? Please email us at [email protected] with any suggestions, questions, photos or videos. | |
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