Campus diversity, Jewishness, and antisemitism

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Education
• Jewish Studies
• Campus Climate Research

Background:

• Campus discourse on diversity often overlooks Jewish concerns.
• Rising anti-Israel sentiment on campuses can manifest as antisemitism.
• Jewish students face unique challenges in progressive and intersectional campus movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the attitudes of Jewish students, faculty, and organization leaders regarding the exclusion of Jewish concerns in campus diversity dialogues.
• To understand the impact of anti-Israel activity and antisemitism on Jewish students' campus experiences.
• To assess the preparedness of campus diversity initiatives and mental health professionals to address these issues.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 Jewish students, faculty, and campus organization leaders.
• Explored perceptions of campus dialogs, diversity initiatives, and the prevalence of anti-Israel activity.
• Gathered insights into the emotional and social impact on Jewish students, particularly progressive individuals.

Main Results:

• A consensus emerged regarding significant, overlooked anti-Israel activity often escalating to antisemitism.
• Many Jewish students feel disturbed by these campus phenomena.
• Progressive Jewish students reported feeling attacked for pro-Israel sentiments and ostracized from progressive movements.
• College diversity officers and courses largely failed to incorporate Jewish student concerns.
• Campus psychotherapists may be ill-equipped to handle issues specific to Jewish students.

Conclusions:

• The exclusion of Jewish concerns from campus diversity dialogues is a significant and ongoing problem.
• Campus antisemitism, fueled by anti-Israel hostility, negatively impacts Jewish students' well-being and sense of belonging.
• Failure to address campus antisemitism is dangerous and morally disingenuous, necessitating greater awareness and action from institutions.