American Association of University Professors. After the head of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) made anti-Israel media statements in a recent interview, ADL and the Academic Engagement Network (AEN) criticized AAUP President Todd Wolfson for veering the group “even further away from its mission.”
ADL and the AEN called for the AAUP “to uphold its responsibility to the academic community by advancing education and protecting academic freedom - rather than isolating Jewish communities.”
👉 TAKE ACTION: Click here to send the AAUP a message. Join us in calling on the AAUP to uphold its responsibility to all of its members rather than taking sides and undermining the very academic freedom it purports to defend.
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Washington, D.C. House Republicans have launched an investigation into alleged antisemitism at three major medical schools: UCLA, UCSF, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The probe,
led by Education & Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), cites disturbing reports of discrimination, vandalism and administrative inaction. Incidents include defaced Holocaust memorials, calls for “intifada” by medical staff, and students being discouraged from forming a group to combat antisemitism. At UCSF, one employee allegedly wore a symbol linked to Hamas and reposted content equating Zionism with Nazism. Jewish students reported being too afraid to wear Star of David necklaces or appear in photos at campus events. Walberg emphasized that federally funded institutions must comply with Title VI to maintain safe, inclusive environments. Jewish faculty
and students praised the investigation for addressing what they describe as a pattern of fear, silence, and administrative failure. ADL praised the investigation, expressing hope the probe would expand into a broader review of medical institutions nationwide to protect the integrity of the profession and ensure Jewish students and faculty can “learn and work in environments free from discrimination and bias.”
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Haverford. The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into Haverford College following complaints that the school failed
to address antisemitic harassment after October 7. The Office for Civil Rights cited reports that Jewish students at the Pennsylvania school were bullied without institutional support, and that senior leadership told students to be “brave” and not expect to feel “safe.” Officials also allegedly blamed missing hostage posters on “the wind,” later admitting the removals were antisemitic acts. The investigation follows mounting scrutiny from Congress. Haverford has been in ongoing dialogue with the ADL Philadelphia office since May to address modern-day antisemitism, and we appreciate that the school has engaged in continued discussion during this
challenging time.
DEEPER: See the grades in the ADL Campus Antisemitism Report Card for several universities noted in this newsletter, including Haverford (F), Indiana (B) and UC Berkeley (C).
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Indiana. Shortly before the beginning of the Fall semester, Indiana University issued a ‘cease and desist’ order to the Palestine Solidarity Committee student group. While the investigation into the group’s conduct is ongoing, the university cited “dangerous and disruptive” conduct in a letter
outlining the decision. Since then, the group organized a number of anti-Israel demonstrations, and has called for the school to engage in BDS activity against Israel. They have also called for the resignation of university leaders.
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The anti-Israel encampment at IU during 2024. (Photo by Briana Pace / The Indiana Daily Student) |
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George Washington. George Washington University has suspended its Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) chapter until May 2026, citing repeated violations of campus policy. The university pointed to an unapproved event and social content that “created a hostile environment that targeted Jewish identity,”
a characteristic protected under Title VI. The suspension follows earlier penalties tied to JVP’s role in last year’s anti-Israel encampment. Additional sanctions include strict oversight measures such as advisor approval for every social media post, mandatory conduct reviews and restrictions lasting through 2032. ADL’s Washington D.C. Region
praised the move, calling it: “real action to maintain a campus where everyone can learn and thrive without fear or harassment.”
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Berkeley. Former UC Berkeley visiting professor Yael Nativ has filed a lawsuit against the UC Board of Regents,
alleging she was denied reappointment due to her Israeli nationality. Represented by The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Nativ claims her rejection followed tensions on campus and a message from a department chair citing “student anger.” After an internal investigation, UC Berkeley’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination reportedly found evidence of national origin discrimination, yet Nativ says the university failed to respond to her proposed remedies. The suit is part of a broader Brandeis-led lawsuit accusing UC Berkeley and its affiliates of systemic antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli individuals.
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EUJS Elects New Leader. Hanna Veiler has been unanimously elected President of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), representing tens of thousands of young Jews across Europe. A passionate advocate with a multicultural background, Hanna previously served as President of the German Union of Jewish Students (JSUD) and co-founded the Jewish Student Union Württemberg (JSUW). She is
also an ADL Words To Action trainer since 2021, educating and empowering young Jews in Europe on how to recognize and respond to antisemitism, as well as active in the EUJS Women’s+ Network. Calling the role
“the greatest honor,” Hanna pledged to “never take the trust of our Member Unions for granted.” EUJS celebrated
her “passion, dedication, and vision,” and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Jewish students and shaping a vibrant, inclusive future. We’re proud to continue to support the EUJS President and Board in this next chapter, as part of our ongoing partnership.
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New EUJS President Hanna Veiler pictured in middle. (Source: ADL) |
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