A recent report highlights troubling trends regarding antisemitism on college campuses in the United States, specifically targeting prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Brown University. According to a study by the civil rights group StopAntisemitism, 39% of Jewish college students have felt compelled to hide their identities, while 62% report being directly blamed for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The 2025 report cards assess how 90 colleges across the nation have responded to rising antisemitism, revealing that Harvard, MIT, and Brown all received failing grades. The report states, “The situation has intensified and metastasized into a coordinated and well-funded nationwide campaign targeting Jewish students.” This alarming trend raises significant questions about campus safety and inclusivity.
Details of the Report
The report indicates that antisemitism has become increasingly overt and aggressive, continuing even after the recent ceasefire in Gaza. “Even since the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, antisemitism remains loud, bold, and unchecked,” the report asserts. It emphasizes that the issue transcends political disagreements regarding Israel, framing it as a broader issue of “Jew-hatred.”
Families considering these institutions are urged to reflect on whether they are willing to invest in campuses that may threaten their children’s safety simply due to their Jewish identity. The report’s findings offer a stark contrast between schools that are effectively addressing these concerns and those that are failing.
Colby College in Maine earned an A rating for fostering a respectful environment and maintaining strong ties with Jewish students. The administration prioritizes safety and open discourse, and it actively collaborates with Haifa University for study abroad programs in Israel. Similarly, the University of Connecticut (UConn) received an A for its proactive measures in supporting Jewish students and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Other Institutional Responses
Brandeis University, located in Waltham, has faced its share of antisemitic incidents but received a B for its administration’s swift condemnation of hate speech and commitment to addressing these issues. The school has implemented the President’s Initiative on Antisemitism, launched in 2023, to further combat antisemitism on campus.
In contrast, Emerson College in Boston received a D grade. Although the administration condemned antisemitic incidents, students expressed dissatisfaction with the responses, indicating that they felt the support for the Jewish community was lacking.
Other institutions, including Dartmouth, Duke, and Michigan State, received B grades for their efforts to combat antisemitism, demonstrating a spectrum of institutional responses to this pressing issue.
As the report illustrates, the challenge is not merely academic. It affects the lived experiences of students across campuses, highlighting the urgent need for universities to address antisemitism comprehensively. The implications of these findings extend beyond the campuses themselves, influencing public perceptions and the discourse surrounding Jewish identity in educational settings.
The consequences of failing to address this issue can be significant, as Jewish students navigate an increasingly hostile environment. The report serves as a call to action for educational institutions to reflect on their policies and practices regarding inclusivity and safety for all students.
