What’s happening
A recent study reveals a staggering 73% of Jewish college students in the United States have faced or witnessed antisemitism during the 2023-2024 academic year. This marks a significant uptick in such incidents, coinciding with a sharp decline in students’ perceptions of safety and campus support post-October 7 attacks.
Why it matters
The sense of security and belonging for Jewish students on college campuses is diminishing rapidly, impacting their educational experience and well-being. The findings spotlight an urgent need for universities to address antisemitism more effectively and for inclusion efforts to encompass anti-Jewish prejudice.
Key findings
- Physical safety feelings plummeted from 67% to 46% after the October 7 incidents.
- Emotional safety perceptions dropped by half, from 66% to 33%.
- Only 44% of students now view their universities as welcoming, a decrease from 64%.
- 77% of Jewish students and 67% of non-Jewish students were dissatisfied with their university’s response to antisemitism before October 7, with dissatisfaction further increasing after the attacks.
- Despite over half of students receiving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, only 18% reported it included content on anti-Jewish prejudice.
The broader impact
These troubling statistics underscore a climate where Jewish students might feel compelled to hide their identity, according to Hillel International’s President. The study’s alarming results highlight a need for more inclusive DEI training and proactive measures from university administrations.
The response
In reaction to the study, the ADL and Hillel have initiated the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), a service providing legal support to students facing antisemitism. Since its launch, the CALL has received numerous requests from students across a range of campuses.
About the survey
The ADL Center for Antisemitism Research and College Pulse conducted the survey in two waves, with the second wave following the October 7 terror attacks. The sample included a diverse group of 3,084 American college students, among which were 527 Jewish students, from 689 campuses nationwide.
The bottom line
The significant rise in antisemitic experiences among Jewish college students is a call to action for university leaders and the broader community to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.
This story was first published on jpost.com.