Campus antisemitism has reached alarming levels, with 83% of Jewish college students experiencing or witnessing some form of antisemitic activity since October 2023. To effectively address this issue, we need to focus on education and expansion of hearts and minds.
Instead of punitive measures as the first approach, institutions should double down on education, teaching campus communities about antisemitism and other forms of prejudice. This includes equipping students with skills to engage across deep differences and creating a culture where both intentions and impact matter.
The Ohio State University’s Hillel student center was vandalized in 2023, but instead of punitive measures, leaders chose a restorative response. The two students who engaged in the vandalism attended listening and learning sessions with Jewish students and rabbis, resulting in a transformative experience.
To address rising antisemitism effectively, we must also consider the impact on other groups, such as Muslim students, who are also impacted by prejudice. We cannot amplify one form of prejudice while attempting to minimize another.
The key to realizing our potential as a religiously diverse democracy lies in upholding core principles like freedom of expression and assembly. Higher education can play a pivotal role in addressing prejudice and cultivating healthier campus communities for all.
By focusing on education, exchange, and robust intellectual inquiry, colleges and universities can support students in taking pride in their unique identities while widening their perspectives on the world. Leaders must turn inward to their strengths to find solutions rather than operating only from a mindset of caution.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/03/17/mahmoud-khalil-gaza-protesters-antisemitism/82309412007