To: The Department of Education

As followers of the Messiah Jesus, we are deeply concerned about the growth of antisemitism on our nation’s college and university campuses.

The US Department of Education defines antisemitism as:

A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.[1]

We believe all people are made in God’s image, and we oppose all forms of prejudice—especially antisemitism.

College and university campuses across the United States have become a breeding ground for hatred against Jewish students, with both rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s 2023 findings, antisemitic activity reported on college and university campuses increased by 321 percent from 2022.[2] The rise of antisemitism on campuses throughout the United States is causing some Jewish high school seniors to consider this risk when deciding where to apply for college.

Also, 44 percent of students, recent grads, or someone they know said they were physically threatenedbecause they were Jewish. This was reported by Alums for Campus Fairness in their report, A Growing Threat: Antisemitism on College Campuses.[3]

This hatred has got to stop. No college student in the United States should ever feel afraid to attend classes, live in dormitories, walk across campus, or simply go about their day because of their ethnic heritage.

[1] “Defining Antisemitism,” US Department of State, accessed September 13, 2024, https://www.state.gov/defining-antisemitism/.

[2] “Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2023,” ADL, April 16, 2024, https://www.adl.org/resources/report/audit-antisemitic-incidents-2023.

[3] “A Growing Threat: Antisemitism on College Campuses,” Campus Fairness, accessed September 13, 2024,  https://www.campusfairness.org/survey/.