anti-semitism-on-campus_a-clear-and-present-danger-thIn a recent report, “Anti-Semitism on Campus: A Clear-and-Present Danger,” Dr. Harold Brackman, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, examines the continuing issues of discriminatory cases of anti-Semitism occurring on many college campuses across the nation. The Brackman Report traces the history of the treatment of Jewish American students on college campuses and sheds light on instances in which universities have taken action that is anti-Israeli. Much of it, however, focuses on how these issues are present as the status quo on campuses today, as corroborated by the joint Louis D. Brandeis Center – Trinity College Anti-Semitism Report, which indicates that 54 percent of American college students experienced or witnessed anti-Semitic incidents in one half of the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Brackman Report examines how administrations at specific universities, including Harvard, Yale, and the 10 University of California (UC) system schools, have managed these issues very poorly. The post-WWII “golden age,” where campuses became “melting pots,” tolerant and accepting of religious, ethnic, and racial differences, is gone. As the report indicates, today, many of the institutions of higher education, including top-tier elite colleges and universities, have become “hostile learning institutions” for Jewish American students. Students, faculty, and administrators have all contributed to this anti-Semitic culture through silencing or undermining Jewish and Israeli culture, as well as by not taking action taken when students are persecuted by their peers for their beliefs. The report draws examples from DePaul University, Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, Ohio University, as well as the aforementioned institutions.

LDB has been outspoken in many of the cases presented throughout the report, such as Harvard University Dining Service’s temporary suspension of Sodastream, a BDS maneuver targeting the Israel-based company. LDB’s President Kenneth Marcus’s letter to President Faust following this decision is cited, in which he states,  “these ‘micro-BDS’ efforts are, in many ways, more dangerous than broader campaigns against the entire country of Israel, because they are sneakier and more deceptive.”

Change is needed for addressing anti-Semitism in higher education. The Brackman Report includes six recommendations to help create better learning environments for all: Jewish Empowerment, Knowing Your Rights on Campus, Emphasizing the Positive, Recognizing New Trends, Speaking Truth to Power, and Demanding Action. LDB remains hopeful that through continued research, education, and legal advocacy, positive changes can be made in protecting the rights of Jewish students on every college campus, and securing human rights for all.

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LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus will be speaking at the StandWithUs International Anti-BDS Conference for the second year in a row. StandWithUs, an international non-profit organization dedicated to informing the public about Israel and combating anti-Semitism, will host this conference from April 9-11 in Los Angeles, California.73f4263eb41527dde08bcd8f5f852f6c_400x400

At the conference, internationally renowned experts will discuss the global boycott movement against Israel and how it targets college campuses, businesses, and more. The conference’s keynote speaker is Alan Dershowitz, a former Harvard Law Professor, Author, and Political Commentator. Other speakers, in addition to Marcus, include New York Times Best Selling Author Edwin Black, Public Relations Expert Philippe Assouline, StandWithUs CEO Roz Rothstein, Brandeis Center Board of Directors member Richard Cravatts, Brandeis Center Academic Advisory Board member Tammi Rossman-Benjamin and many more.

Brandeis Center President Marcus commented, “I am excited to be a part of an incredible and diverse lineup of speakers. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and learning more about new strategies and tactics to help understand the BDS movement.”

StandWithUs uses their knowledge to help correct common prejudices about the Arab-Israeli conflict, and promotes discussions and policies that help promote peace in the Middle East. Their website says, “Through print materials, speakers, programs, conferences, missions to Israel, campaigns, social media and internet resources, we ensure that the story of Israel’s achievements and ongoing challenges is told on campuses and in communities around the world.”

The exact location of the event will be sent to conference participants upon completion of their reservation. To learn more about the conference please follow this link.