New schools, Bernard University and Columbia University, have done a poor job of standing up against anti-Semitism on campus, according to a stinging report issued Monday by Jewish civil rights groups.
The new school is one of 13 schools that have failed F grades, and Bernard College's rating dropped from C to D on the Prevention Measures League report card last week as a crowd of masked anti-Israeli protesters took over the university's administration building and assaulted security guards.
The new school report card cites a series of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hostilities at the Greenwich Village campus, saying progressive schools are subject to the U.S. Department of Education's civil rights investigation.
“In May 2024, students and teachers occupied the Manhattan Welcome Centre, urging the board to consider selling Israel-related businesses. The occupation of the building was led by students and the other by teachers following the establishment of two new school anti-Israel camps,” the school's report states.
At the camp, which was built between April and May, protesters displayed messages that included “resist the power of the colony by necessary means,” “to hand over Zionist donors and councillors, our university,” and “The future is anti-Zionist.”
According to the ADL, at least one sign included a symbol that is popularized by the anti-Semitic US and designated terrorist group Hamas.
In August 2024, the Student Senate voted to suspend funding for student organizations until the new school sold its support for the US-Israel conflict over Gaza. The Student Senate resumed funding for campus groups in November.
In another protest, members of the Palestinian branch's campus for Judicial Judicial disrupted President Joel Towers' speech in September 2024, demanding a sale from Israel.
The new school, home to a university in exile for a European scholar threatened by Nazism in 1933, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, ADL had planned to issue a C-grade to Bernard, up to the lawless activity and weak responses of the university administration.
“ADL believes that the university should have implemented the policy more robustly, rather than trying to negotiate with them, which has led to a reassessment. [the protesters]A spokesman for ADL said.
“The university was already in the cusp of D, so even a small reassessment was enough to make a difference.”
A spokesman for Bernard said the university took anti-Semitism allegations seriously and even expelled students for it.
“Bernard recently received praise from ADL for his continued efforts to combat anti-Semitism and regularly consulted with ADL, including last week's protest at Milbank Hall, which was followed last week's decision to expel two students to disrupt modern Israeli courses at Columbia University.”
“Anti-Semitism, harassment and discrimination of all kinds are opposed to our values and violates the code of conduct of our community. If the incident violates our policy, we will take strong and appropriate action, including expulsion, if necessary,” Levine added. “All reports of anti-Semitism have been reviewed by our non-discriminatory offices, and we remain committed to ensuring that every student is a place they feel safe and respected.”
The report also cited the issue of Colombia, which received a D rating.
In mid-April 2024, anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University established a continuation camp
For almost three weeks, the report said it had set “trends in camps across the country.”
Protesters took over the Hamilton Hall building on campus, smashing windows,
The ADL said the deadline for demolishing the camp.
In September 2024, Swastika was spray painted on the trash cans on campus. And the flyer
Posted on campus featured images of offensive weapons with the words “Revolution to victory” and “Revolution to the Palestinian Liberation Movement.”
The inverted red triangle, a symbol of Hamas, was painted on a fake “wanted” poster depicting the trustee of Bernard University's Columbia University.
In a statement, Colombia said it had taken action to crack down on the confusion and protect Jewish students.
“We are proud of Colombia's vibrant Jewish community, with thriving Hillel, Chabad and many Jewish student organizations. A Colombia spokesperson said in a statement that the university will continue to work with these organizations to support the building of the community and address student concerns.”
Since taking on her role in August, interim Colombian President Katrina Armstrong has embarked on a “multi-faceted approach” to combat the fight against anti-Semitism, including increasing clarity about university rules through the appointment of new rules managers. vandalism, anti-Semitism image and classroom confusion,” the spokesman said.
“Colombia does not tolerate any kind of anti-Semitism, discrimination, harassment or threats against members of our community. The University is committed to fulfilling its academic mission and ensuring that all students are welcome and access to the exceptional education that Colombia offers without discrimination,” the statement said.
Overall, only a small portion of US universities are doing enough to fight anti-Semitism on campus and protect Jewish students, report cards have been found for 135 university policies and actions. Last year's report card reviewed 85 schools.
Eight of 135 universities reviewed by the Prevention Prevention League received an “A” rating, including Cuny's Brooklyn College and Queens College.
“It's not surprising that Queen's College is recognized nationwide for its outstanding, continuous work that combats anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice. Frank H. Wu, president of Queen's University, said:
Still, more work needs to be done, ADL said.
“I said it last year, so I'll say it again. Every campus should get an “A.” This is not a expensive bar. This should be the standard,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said
Progress “is not yet felt safe or included on too many campuses,” he said.
Other Ivy League schools have done fewer than great grades. Dartmouth led the pack with B followed by Harvard, Penn, Cornell and Brown with C, Princeton and Yale with D, followed by Yale.
Approximately 30% of university surveys received D or F.
However, ADL noted that 46% of gradual schools had previously improved, but only 9% declined.
Over 50% of schools evaluated in 2024 are
According to the ADL, the response to rising anti-Semitism on campus.
Meanwhile, almost all schools have strengthened their policies to address unruly demonstrations.
Universities that strengthened policies, consistently enforced them, and complied with anti-Semitic education;
Analysis shows that updated bias reporting was the most improved.
“The improvements to the campus are primarily due to new management initiatives implemented at.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to our customers,” said Shira Goodman, Vice President of Advocacy at ADL.
“We are pleased that improving the campus culture for Jewish students is a priority for many of these schools. We hope that all universities understand the importance of developing and implementing strong policies and procedures to create a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish students and all students.”
Other local schools have achieved solid “B” grades, including NYU, Hofstra, Suny Stony Brook and Binghamton.
