Justice Initiative Guiding Student Activists Worldwide

“Achieving Justice Piece by Piece”

Despite the inescapable rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses, most students are unaware of their rights. They do not understand how to utilize university policies or state and federal anti-discrimination laws as tools to combat anti-Semitism. Many cannot articulate the contemporary forms of anti-Semitism they routinely face on campus and in classrooms, including anti-Zionism. They are reluctant to reach out for assistance to school administrators or legal organizations for help.

To fill this vacuum and ensure that students receive the legal training, guidance and support they need, the Brandeis Center established its JIGSAW Fellowships – which train a specialized corps of law students to advise undergraduates in combating anti-Semitism on campus.

JIGSAW Fellows undergo a rigorous two-day training, where they learn about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, anti-discrimination laws, relevant First Amendment principles, academic freedom, and discreet topics in international law. In addition, JIGSAW Fellows are trained in how to conduct intake interviews. Our Fellows then work with our staff to provide support to undergraduate and graduate students who are experiencing anti-Semitism. JIGSAWs help gather relevant evidence to support campus complaints – providing guidance to students on dozens of campuses across the country every year. JIGSAW Fellows help achieve justice piece by piece.

Beyond equipping law school students with the in-depth legal training and expertise needed to effectively combat anti-Semitism and BDS on campus, the JIGSAW Initiative empowers these trained law students to mentor their undergraduate peers – helping them more effectively address contemporary forms of anti-Semitism on campus.

By developing the next generation of civil rights attorneys with first-hand experience, the Initiative not only teaches the necessary legal tools to combat anti-Semitism – but also instills the motivation to remain engaged, effective advocates after they graduate law school.

JIGSAW Fellows will be competitively selected based on academic record, extracurricular involvement and demonstrated commitment to the issues. Interested candidates should send a brief cover letter describing their interest in the Initiative, resume, transcript and writing sample with the subject heading “JIGSAW Fellow Application.”