We help people recognize contemporary forms of anti-Semitism and enact protective policies.
Our work has brought changes in policies and practices, triggered federal investigations, raised public awareness, forced corrective actions, and given voice to many who had not previously been heard.
The law is a powerful motivator. When executives recognize their legal obligations, they are far more likely to protect Jewish members from harassment and discrimination. The Brandeis Center causes public and private institutions to act, improving the climate for Jewish Americans. With our assistance, Jewish voices finally feel heard.
We provide strategic and legal guidance to students, helping them to obtain effective responses from school administrators. We engage in public or private correspondence with organizational leaders and lead trainings to educate them on their legal obligation to protect Jews from anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. When institutions fail to comply with their legal obligations, we hold them accountable.
Brandeis Center research moves the needle. Our book the Definition of Anti-Semitism laid the groundwork for a landmark executive order that now protects Jewish college students. We drafted the first state-level legislation on the Working Definition of Anti-Semitism. The U.S. Dept. of Education adopted new tools to address bias in Mideast Studies programs in light of our work.
The Brandeis Center provides in-depth coverage of thought leaders who illuminate issues related to anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. Our white papers contain precision research not found elsewhere.
Institutions that know better, generally do better. The Brandeis Center trains university administrators on their legal obligations to protect Jewish students while still respecting protected speech. We educate students to use the civil rights laws to fight anti-Semitism on their campuses and beyond, and train law students to mentor undergraduates and effectively address campus anti-Semitism.
The Brandeis Center also trains executives to understand and recognize contemporary anti-Semitism and distinguish it from political debate.
We publish fact sheets on topics such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, International Humanitarian Law, and the definition of anti-Semitism, providing legal analyses for campus and corporate stakeholders and interested readers. We author dozens of opinion articles annually – on topics such as campus anti-Semitism, anti-Jewish violence, and anti-Israel boycotts – to expose anti-Semitic practices and influence public opinion and the legal community.
The Brandeis Center teaches budding attorneys how to interpret and apply civil rights laws affecting Jewish students through JIGSAW fellowships, law student chapters, and legal clerkships. The JIGSAW program trains law students to mentor and empower undergraduates to more effectively combat anti-Semitism and BDS on campus.
The Brandeis Center also works with undergraduates directly. Law clerks, and interns gain experience protecting undergraduate students from anti-Semitic discrimination and harassment. Many students continue their training as JIGSAW Fellows later in their academic careers.
From college campuses to corporate boardrooms, the Brandeis Center is causing change. Our recent work led the U.S. Dept. of Education and EEOC to open formal investigations into multiple institutions – canceling anti-Semitic show-trials, issuing statements that recognize Jewish identity, and reinstating pro-Israel student groups.