INTRODUCTION Following are three major updates to schools from StopAntisemitismʼs 2022 Report: In the fall of 2023, the University of Pennsylvania hosted the “Palestine Writes Literature Festival” — a celebration ostensibly dedicated to supporting Palestinian 1 writers and artists. Instead, the festivalʼs lineup featured speakers who actively promote antisemitism and denigrate Israel. Not coincidentally, at least three antisemitic incidents occurred around the time of the festival, including at both the Hillel and the Chabad. The organizers used unauthorized state funds and logos for the event, and the 1 State of Pennsylvania was forced to send a cease-and-desist letter. In response to criticism of the event, Pennʼs President issued a statement that condemned antisemitism but also defended the speakersʼ right to express their opinions under the guise of academic freedom. AFTER OCT 7: Compared to last year, the University of Pennsylvania has been the biggest disappointment of the 25 schools we featured. Since the war began, the school has seen a number of antisemitic incidents such as Israeli hostage posters being torn down and antisemites making fun of dead Israeli babies. Additionally, the school is among several others across the country that are under investigation for allegations of antisemitism and islamophobia. In 2023, CUNY was involved in one antisemitic controversy after another. First they hired former Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Director Saly Abd Alla as their Chief Diversity Officer. CAIR has been linked to Hamas and 2 often employs anti-Israel rhetoric. Then, the Law School featured yet another rabid antisemite as their graduation speaker, Fatima Mohammed, who used her time to defame Israel and law enforcement, advocate for violence, and honor individuals who financially supported Hamas. Later, five professors who are also observant Jews sued CUNY for pervasive discrimination, and a New York Judge denied CUNYʼs and its Unionʼs motion to dismiss. In apparent retaliation, four CUNY professors from four different campuses who filed discrimination complaints against the school based on antisemitism were investigated by the school. Finally, Marc Lamont Hill, who was fired by CNN for his antisemitic bias, was hired as a professor. CUNY continues to refuse to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. AFTER OCT 7: CUNY continues to fail its Jewish community. Recent antisemitism on campus includes hostage posters being torn down, vandalism of said posters, and an adjunct lecturer who compared Zionists to “swine” and made other disturbing statements. 3
2023 Antisemitism on U.S. College & University Campuses Page 4 Page 6