ST. LOUIS — College campuses are experiencing an uptick in antisemitism and Islamophobia since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.
The White House recently expressed deep concern over “an extremely disturbing pattern of antisemitic messages” on college campuses.
This week, the Biden administration is adding new actions to combat it.
The Department of Justice and Homeland Security are partnering with campus law enforcement to track hate-related threats and provide federal resources to schools.
New steps include improving coordination between law enforcement agencies and making it easier to file a discrimination complaint.
The Department of Education made visits to different sites including St. Louis to gain more information about antisemitism at schools.
Staff met with Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council, along with colleagues.
The Regional Director of Anti-Defamation League Heartland believes colleges and universities have a responsibility to create a safe space.
"We've seen a spike in antisemitism on college campuses around the country and we are urging the Department of Education to take this seriously. We know that antisemitic acts in America go up when there is conflict in the Middle East," Jordan Kadosh said. "Our preliminary numbers show the same thing. So far, we're tracking a 388% increase in antisemitic incidents across the country."
Kadosh noted the last conflict in 2021, that number jumped to a 117% increase.
While they believe in freedom of speech, Kadosh said that doesn't mean freedom to incite.
"We see emotions spill over and people take it too far. We've really seen this cancel culture at universities and we always advocate for counsel culture. We are counseling these college administrations to make it as a safe space for Jewish students, for Palestinian students and Muslim students," Kadosh said.
Locally, Washington University in St. Louis is addressing the issue by condemning hate speech.
Washington University's Chancellor Andrew Martin sent a letter last week saying he's deeply disturbed antisemitic phrases were chanted and written on signs during recent gatherings on campus.
He also noted antisemitic and Islamophobic language was exchanged between people and on social media.
"As a community, I believe we are better than this. I urge you, before engaging in difficult interactions, ask yourself: Who are we, and who do we wish to be?" Martin said in the letter.
To view the full letter, click here.
WashU Hillel's President and CEO, Jacqueline Ulin Levey, said they are thankful for the university's support.
"Our mission is to be a catalyst for Jewish life on Washington University connecting Jewish students with one another. WashU Hillel has been a part of the fabric of Washington University for almost 80 years," Levey said.
Levey said it's been a hard time for Jewish students on campus and nationwide.
At Washington University, Levey said approximately 25% of the WashU undergraduate population is Jewish, which equates to 1,850 students.
"The university is a microcosm of what happens throughout our world. Since October 7th, our Jewish community has really been struggling," Levey said.
WashU Hillel has provided spaces for students.
When Oct. 7 happened, students were on fall break, but leaders were ready to act when they returned.
"When our students returned, our student leaders facilitated a gathering with the help of Hillel and our Chabad on campus, there were 800 students at the vigil," Levey said.
Levey believes now more than ever, connection is critical.
"At Washington University we are certainly seeing a surge in bias incident reports being filed for antisemitic incidents that are happening among peers in person or online and in the classroom," Levey said.
Levey believes these are hard times and that's why Hillel will continue to be a home for those who need it.
She said right now, WashU Hillel is focusing on three things:
- Working to ensure the safety and security of students
- Advocating for the needs of Jewish students with university leadership, so they understand what antisemitic hate is and condemning it
- Providing community for the students
To report an incident through ADL, click here.