NYC Colleges Improve Efforts Against Antisemitism, ADL Report Finds

Several New York City colleges and universities have demonstrated improvements in their initiatives to combat antisemitism on their campuses, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). This progress comes amid heightened concerns about campus climates following increased tensions related to the Israeli-hamas conflict.

ADL’s Campus Antisemitism Report Card

The ADL’s second annual Campus Antisemitism Report Card, released recently, assessed 135 colleges and universities nationwide, evaluating them based on administrative policies, campus conduct and climate, and Jewish life on campus. Eight NYC schools were reviewed in this report and highlights those making strides in addressing anti-Jewish hate.

• Assessment Criteria: The report card uses stringent criteria across three primary categories to evaluate each institution’s approach to antisemitism.
• Objective Data: The goal is to offer objective criteria and information for campus communities and the public to assess universities’ responses and level of resistance to anti-Jewish sentiment.

Top Performers: CUNY Leads the Way

Specific NYC schools received notable grades:

• Brooklyn college (CUNY): Earned an “A” grade,reflecting a significant betterment attributed to multiple Jewish organizations and proactive measures.
• Queens College (CUNY): Also secured an “A,” showcasing dedicated efforts and a supportive environment for jewish students.

Scott Richman, ADL NY/NJ’s regional director, noted, “While so many colleges and universities improved their grades through substantive changes to address antisemitic activity on campus, there remains much more work to be done.”

The City University of New York (CUNY) system has been proactive in combating hate since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. CUNY has also opened the new Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging aiming to foster understanding between diverse communities on campus.

According to a CUNY spokesperson, “CUNY has taken critical steps to combat antisemitism and build bridges between communities, including forming the University’s first Advisory Council on Jewish Life, launching a new center dedicated to centralizing our efforts to address hate and partnering with Hillel and Jewish organizations.” The spokesperson continued, “We’re proud of our work and grateful to the Anti-Defamation League for acknowledging progress made at Brooklyn, Baruch and Queens colleges but recognize there is more we can and will do to build on our progress and create truly inclusive campuses for students, faculty and staff.”

NYU as a Model

New York University (NYU) received a “B” grade. While facing anti-Zionist activity following the start of the war, NYU has demonstrated progress in publicly disclosed administrative actions and Jewish life on campus.

Richman stated,”while a number of universities in New York and New Jersey improved over the past year,I would like to highlight NYU which can serve as a model for schools in the significant actions it took over the past year to protect its Jewish students against hate.We hope more universities will follow suit.”

Other city-based schools and their grades include CUNY baruch College (B), CUNY Hunter College ( C), and Barnard College (D).

Struggling Institutions: Columbia and The New School

Not all institutions fared well:

• Columbia University: Received a “D” after a year marked by intense protests,some of which turned violent.
• The New School: Earned an “F,” reflecting significant concerns about campus conduct and administrative response.

The ADL report details that “At an encampment that was erected from April 2024 to May 2024, protesters displayed messages that included: ‘Resist colonial power by any means necessary,’ ‘Zionist donors and trustees, hands off our universities,’ and ‘The future is anti-Zionist.” The report also noted, “At least one sign included an inverted red triangle, a symbol popularized by the antisemitic U.S.-designated terror group Hamas to mark targets.”

Despite struggles The New School was marked satisfactory for having active Hillel and Chabad organizations.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

While progress has been made, continuous effort is crucial to foster inclusive campus environments. The ADL report serves as a benchmark for ongoing improvements.

Actionable Steps:

Universities should review the ADL report, identify areas for improvement, and engage with Jewish organizations to implement effective strategies against antisemitism.

It is indeed essential that universities proactively address antisemitism, promote open dialog, and ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. Learn more about the ADL’s initiatives and resources for combating hate.

What single change, if implemented immediately, would create the biggest positive impact in combating antisemitism on college campuses today?

Combating Antisemitism on Campus: An Interview with Dr. miriam Cohen

Following the ADL’s recent report card evaluating antisemitism on college campuses, Archyde sought insight from a leading expert.We sat down with Dr. Miriam Cohen,Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the City University of New York (CUNY),to discuss the findings and CUNY’s proactive approach.

Assessing Progress: insights from CUNY’s Dr. Cohen

Archyde: Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us. The ADL report highlights some progress in addressing antisemitism on NYC campuses, especially within the CUNY system.What’s your initial reaction to the report’s findings?

Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me.We at CUNY are encouraged by the ADL’s recognition of the strides made, particularly at Brooklyn and Queens Colleges, which both received “A” grades.These positive marks are a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and student organizations. However, we recognise that this is an ongoing effort, and the report also underscores the need for continued vigilance and betterment across all institutions.

The Role of the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging

Archyde: CUNY recently launched the Center for Inclusive excellence and Belonging. How does this initiative specifically address antisemitism and foster understanding within a diverse student body?

Dr. Cohen: The Center was established to centralize our efforts in addressing hate, promoting inclusivity, and fostering dialog across differences. Specifically regarding antisemitism, we partner with organizations like Hillel and Chabad to provide educational programs and resources for students, faculty, and staff. We also work to create safe spaces for open conversations and address any incidents of antisemitism that occur on campus promptly and effectively. Our goal is to create an environment where Jewish students feel safe, supported, and valued as integral members of the CUNY community.

NYU as a Model and Areas for Improvement

Archyde: The ADL report highlights NYU as a model for other universities in protecting Jewish students. What key actions taken by NYU do you believe are particularly effective, and what can CUNY learn from their example?

Dr. Cohen: NYU has demonstrated a strong commitment to publicly disclosing administrative actions taken against antisemitic behavior. This clarity is crucial, as it sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Thay’ve also been proactive in engaging with Jewish organizations on campus and implementing policies that specifically address antisemitism. We’re constantly evaluating best practices and adjusting our approach accordingly. While CUNY has already taken meaningful steps, including forming an Advisory Council on Jewish Life, we can certainly learn from NYU’s example and further enhance our transparency and responsiveness.

Challenges and Controversies

Archyde: The report also points out that some institutions, like Columbia University and The New School, received lower grades and faced significant challenges, including protests with antisemitic undertones. What lessons can be learned from these cases?

Dr. Cohen: These cases highlight the complexities of balancing free speech with the need to protect students from hate and discrimination. it’s essential for universities to have clear policies that define the boundaries of acceptable speech and to enforce those policies consistently.Equally significant is the need to proactively address the root causes of antisemitism through education and dialogue. We must create a campus culture where respectful discourse is valued and where all students feel safe and supported.

looking Ahead: Sustaining Progress in Combating Antisemitism

Archyde: What specific actionable steps do you recommend universities take to sustain and build upon the progress highlighted in the ADL report?

Dr. Cohen: First, universities should thoroughly review the ADL report and identify specific areas where they can improve. Second, they should engage with Jewish organizations on campus to develop and implement effective strategies for combating antisemitism. Third, they should invest in education and training programs for students, faculty, and staff. they should establish clear and consistent policies for addressing antisemitic incidents and ensure that those policies are effectively enforced. It is vital to ensure accountability so that all students feel valued and respected on campus.

Archyde: Dr. Cohen, thank you for your insightful perspectives.One final question, for our readers: What single change, if implemented immediately, would create the biggest positive impact in combating antisemitism on college campuses today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!