Confronting Anti-Semitism and Anti-Israel Hostility on Campus: A Letter to University Presidents

  • September 5, 2014

September 4, 2014

Dear President:

Over the past century, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has earned a reputation as a credible voice combating anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, as well as promoting understanding and diversity throughout the United States and abroad.  ADL has developed extensive experience monitoring, exposing, and helping students respond to the challenges of hate on American college campuses.

We know that – particularly during and after periods of increased tension – anti-Israel advocates at American universities may be more likely to engage in divisive programming, organize anti-Israel campaigns, promote boycotts of Israel, and create an atmosphere of tension and hostility for many Jewish and pro-Israel students on campus. These students may be concerned about issues of security and anti-Semitism as they return to campus this fall.

We believe it is important for ALL students to feel welcome and secure when returning to campus this fall, free of any harassment or intimidation and to maintain a campus climate in which students from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds can have exchanges in a context of mutual respect.  We, therefore, encourage you to take the following measures to ensure an inclusive environment:

  • Reach out to student organizations on campus to encourage communication with your office and inform them of formal and informal mechanisms for addressing conflicts and concerns;
  • Ensure that the school is not perceived to be taking sides in the Middle East conflict;
  • Ensure that security procedures are in place for events that may draw protesters and counter-protesters; and
  • Speak out against and condemn hate speech.  Set the tone on campus by letting the community know that anti-Semitism, Islamaphobia, homophobia, and any other form of bias, harassment, or intimidation will not be tolerated.

ADL also provides training, support, and resources whenever there is inter-group strife.  We encourage you to visit http://www.adl.org/education-outreach/campus-affairs/. for more information on our campus resources, and please call us if there is a hate crime or hate incident on your campus.  We are here to help.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Nancy K. Baron-Baer

Regional Director