Group provides definition of antisemitism and urges university to implement anti-bias training and improve complaint handling systems.
The task force at Columbia University dedicated to addressing antisemitism on campus has recently released a comprehensive report detailing incidents of harassment and violence against Jewish students following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The report emphasizes the need to redefine social norms on campus and proposes changes to enhance the university’s approach to preventing and addressing bias incidents.
Students are preparing to return to a campus that experienced heightened tensions during pro-Palestinian protests earlier this year, leading to the cancellation of the commencement ceremony in May. The 90-page report, which includes insights from student listening sessions, builds upon a previous report from March that called for stricter regulations on protests and improved enforcement of existing policies.
Since the attacks on Oct. 7, Jewish and Israeli students have reported facing harassment, including ethnic slurs, stereotypes, threats, and even physical assaults. Some students expressed being excluded from certain student groups due to their support for Zionism. The task force gathered feedback from nearly 500 students, highlighting a range of experiences and perspectives.
The majority of incidents outlined in both reports occurred before a pro-Palestinian encampment emerged on campus in April, exacerbating the situation further. The latest report underscores the diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of the students who shared their stories, including Zionists, anti-Zionists, and individuals with nuanced perspectives on the issue.
Ester R. Fuchs, a professor of public affairs at Columbia and co-chair of the task force, emphasized the unique aspect of the report, which prioritizes student voices in addressing antisemitism on campus.
Source: The NY Times
