The presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology were equivocal, evasive and legalistic when they testified before Congress last week about antisemitism on campus. One reason is that their institutions, along with many others, face serious legal risk as a result of the hostility and intimidation to which their Jewish students have been subjected.
These students are afraid to go to their campus Hillels, many of which have been vandalized or threatened. They are anxious about sleeping in Jewish fraternity houses. Some are afraid to wear kippot or Stars of David. These institutions—which claim to support free speech, diversity, equity and inclusion—are complicit in cultivating a climate hostile to Jews. In doing so, they have not only betrayed their stated values but run afoul of the law.
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In recent years, college campuses have seen a significant rise in antisemitism, with students and faculty around the country reporting an atmosphere of offensive stereotypes, anti-Jewish remarks and even physical threats. As a result, it is increasingly important for university administrators to take a strong stance against this trend to protect their students and faculty from experiencing hostile or intimidating behavior. One effective legal strategy to combat campus antisemitism is to incorporate a system of education, enforcement and effective policy development.
To begin with, educational initiatives should be implemented to raise awareness about antisemitism and its potential harms. This might include the circulation of guidelines, posters and informational videos that address the issue in an objective manner. Faculty should also receive training on topics such as Holocaust awareness, Jewish history and religious diversity. Additionally, positive programs focused on solidarity and inclusivity should be developed to promote healthy habits of coexistence among different religious and cultural groupings.
In addition to education, universities must also take steps to ensure that legal standards are being enforced on campus. This includes establishing clear policies that outline appropriate behavior towards individuals or groups who are Jewish, and also developing procedures to respond to reports of antisemitism. Furthermore, in response to reports of harassment or violence, universities should hold those responsible accountable and follow through with meaningful disciplinary action.
Finally, university administrators and faculty should collaborate to develop concrete policies meant to prevent any form of antisemitism on campuses. This could involve creating expectations for creating respectful learning environments, closing off access to materials or activities that could be deemed offensive to Jewish individuals or groups, and prohibiting activities or organizations that advocate for hatred or violence against Jews. By creating clear and precise thresholds, universities can create an environment that is safe and welcoming to all members of the campus community.
If universities are serious about combating campus antisemitism, they must incorporate a comprehensive strategy that includes education, enforcement and effective policy development. By taking these steps, university administrators can create a learning environment that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming.
