CONCLUSION Since the onset of pro-Palestinian student organizations with anti-Jewish undertones, such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Within Our Lifetime (WOL) – and the increase in emboldened white supremacy movements across the United States – Jewish students and their families are factoring in their personal safety when deciding where to attend college. This report reveals some shocking and upsetting trends pertaining to the safety and overall experience of Jewish students on college campuses across America: Jewish students say they are hesitant to disclose their identity and support of Israel, as well as harboring a feeling of responsibility for Israelʼs policies on the global stage. Respondents who reported antisemitic incidents such as verbal threats, vandalism, and physical threats and violence, have largely been ignored by campus administrators. Jewish students say they are hesitant to disclose their identity and support of Israel, as well harboring a feeling of responsibility for Israelʼs policies on the global stage. Only 28% of respondents felt their school took incidents of antisemitism seriously, ultimately jeopardizing their safety on campus. While these results are dismaying, the final point reflects the majority of responses – or lack thereof – that StopAntisemitism received from the surveys sent to the colleges themselves. Upon reaching out to 25 universities to request their cooperation with helping to safeguard their campuses for Jewish students by participating in a short survey regarding their practices concerning antisemitism, nearly all our requests were ignored or responded to with startling words such as “this isnʼt in our best interest.” Although universities have prioritized diversity, equity, and social justice for creating a safe campus environment, antisemitism remains a prevalent and growing problem in American higher education. Jewish students should not have to decide where they receive their degree based on personal safety in the face of bigotry against their identity. If colleges claim they welcome everyone and promote “safe spaces” on their campuses, why does that not include Jews? 13
Antisemitism on U.S. Campuses | 2022 Report Page 13 Page 15