On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni Islamic organization that was designated a terrorist movement by the U.S. and other nations, orchestrated attacks on Israel. Spanning from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, the violent actions led to the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of approximately 200 hostages, with at least 41 killed during their time in captivity. These acts resulted in a brutal war between the two groups, referred to as the Israel-Hamas War.
The effects of such a conflict have been endless, with people in Palestine and Israel alike experiencing violence and brutal conditions. Specifically, the results of the war have spread to universities in the United States, increasing bouts of antisemitism and overall hatred at schools across the country. According to Hillel International, in the 2022-23 school year, 290 acts of antisemitism occurred at colleges around North America, but the number skyrocketed to 1,854 incidents in the 2023-24 year. Furthermore, in the 2024-25 school year as of March 13, 2025, the amount of cases has already reached 1,296.
In response to such hatred, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights agreed to investigate five universities that have been noted to contain widespread antisemitic behavior in early February. The schools under investigation include Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Increased to now 60 investigations, the government is determined to ensure that Title VI in the Civil Rights Act is being followed. In stating that all schools receiving federal funding must prevent discrimination, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act holds universities accountable for preventing antisemitism and other forms of hate.
Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that aims to prevent instances of antisemitism, limit extremism, and decrease bias, recently came out with a “report card,” which scored universities based on a variety of factors. These included “30 criteria, separated into: ‘Administrative Policies,’ ‘Jewish Life on Campus’ and ‘Campus Conduct and Climate Concerns.’”
These results were released to the public, allowing citizens to view the amounts of hatred present in a variety of schools and ways in which such universities could improve in inclusivity. In analyzing each individual aspect, such as their “level[s] of severe antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents” or whether or not the school had “partnerships with Israeli institution[s],” it allows students and members of the public to gain insight into the school community and even take action.
People of all ages can make a difference by staying informed on current events and speaking out against any form of hatred, no matter how small. By increasing our education and drive, instances of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination can be reduced and even eliminated. To learn more about taking action and reducing bias or to view the “report card,” visit www.adl.org.