Cal Poly. An anti-Israel protest at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo escalated into extensive vandalism last week, when five activists stormed the university’s Financial Aid and Student Accounts office, spray-painting walls, windows and furniture. Two individuals were arrested and face felony charges including conspiracy and vandalism. University President Jeffrey Armstrong condemned the attack, saying, “Anyone who views this kind of shortsighted, disgusting and illegal activity as acceptable has no place at Cal Poly.” ADL Regional Director Joshua Burt called the incident “violent and antisemitic vandalism,” adding that it was reportedly carried out by an off-campus group with a history of antisemitic hate. The university and law enforcement continue to investigate the incident.

(Source: KSBY TV | YouTube)

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Louisiana. In Louisiana, a new resolution intended to curb antisemitism on campus is now out of committee and may be voted on shortly by the state’s House of Representatives. The resolution guides schools to adopt “policies and procedures” to address antisemitism, and for those colleges and universities to report on antisemitism complaints and how they have been responded to. The sponsor of HR 167, Rep. Mike Bayham, notes that the resolution is intended to protect Jewish students, not to deter protests.

DEEPER: ADL supports this effort and invites our Louisiana-based readers to join us in urging lawmakers to address hate on campus. If you live in Louisiana, please click here to voice your support to legislators alongside ADL.

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Columbia. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education issued a warning to an organization that provides academic accreditation to Columbia University that the school "is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws and therefore fails to meet the standards for accreditation." If Columbia loses its accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), that would put the school’s eligibility to receive federal student aid at risk. The Department of Education called on the MSCHE to tell Columbia to document compliance plans regarding how it is addressing these discrimination concerns.

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Harvard. Harvard University is facing pushback again after appointing Shaul Magid as its first tenured professor of modern Judaism at the Divinity School. While the university highlights the hire as an effort to expand Jewish studies, critics argue that Magid’s ideology, which opposes Zionism and promotes a diaspora-based Jewish identity, actually increases tensions. Among those sharing their concern is Rabbi Dr. David Wolpe, a former visiting scholar at Harvard. Wolpe stated that “I respect Magid as a scholar and a person ... but I fundamentally disagree with him on Israel. His views are fringe, and it’s unfortunate the university didn’t appoint someone who represents the mainstream Jewish perspective.”

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Portland. Portland State University has placed a faculty member on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing her declaring, “I am Hamas. We are all Hamas.” The faculty member has not been publicly identified. University President Ann Cudd condemned the remarks as “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized Portland State’s stance against antisemitism. The incident comes amid a federal investigation into antisemitism at the university.

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Ireland. Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s most prestigious university, announced last week that it will sever all institutional ties with Israel — including divestment from Israeli companies, cancellation of future contracts and a halt to academic partnerships with Israeli universities. The move follows sustained student protests and the recommendations of a university task force. Trinity’s board said the policy will remain in effect “for the duration of the ongoing violations of international and humanitarian law.” Existing agreements with Bar Ilan University and Hebrew University will not be renewed. The university also pledged to avoid future research collaborations with Israeli institutions.

Building for the Future. American University Hillel has launched the Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU, a $7 million initiative to create a permanent on-campus home for Jewish life. With $4 million already raised, the future Trone Family Center for Jewish Life will provide meeting space, a student lounge and offices for Hillel staff. Jewish student engagement at AU has more than tripled in recent years, reaching over 1,600 students annually. This new center will support AU Hillel’s growing programming — from Shabbat dinners and leadership fellowships to interfaith initiatives — while also strengthening the university’s broader commitment to inclusive community life. “This center allows us to have a physical home at AU, a place where our community can grow and thrive,” said student leader Julia Rothman.

American University Hillel students. (Source: American University)

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Mission Possible. The Nitzavim Fellowship is equipping 100 gap-year students on 32 college campuses with leadership, advocacy and entrepreneurial skills to support Jewish life and Israel. Fellows develop original, campus-specific projects, pitched in a Shark Tank-style competition, with winning teams receiving funding and support. The initiative emphasizes proactive leadership, Jewish values and peer-to-peer engagement, aiming to build a new generation of empowered Jewish advocates. Rabbi Adi Isaacs, a founder of the program, said “Together, we’re building a new generation of passionate, educated, and empowered Jewish advocates who will stand up for Israel and the Jewish people on their campuses, effecting tremendous change.”

• Campus Community Advocacy Resources — From social media shares to letter writing campaigns, ADL has clear steps for you to take action and effect change on college campuses.
• K-12 Advocacy Resources — Tools and knowledge to foster and advocate for a safe, inclusive and equitable school environment for all.
• University Faculty and Staff — Support for impacted faculty and staff, guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• University Administration — Guidance & Best Practices for making campuses safer and more inclusive.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — See the grades of 135 universities, the current state of antisemitism on campus and how colleges and universities are responding.
• Chai-er Ed Podcast — ADL’s campus podcast, brings you firsthand stories from Jewish students navigating today’s college campuses.
• General Campus Resources — ADL Backgrounders, Educational Programming, Research and Analysis and more.
• Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) — College or university students, professors, or employees who want to report campus incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence that may necessitate legal action can report to CALL for legal support.
• K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line — Parents and other interested adults in California, Massachusetts and New York can report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence occurring in K-12 schools to the K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.

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