In late March, Jewish students at the University of Denver were targeted in acts of antisemitic vandalism on campus. One incident involved students gluing pork products, which are prohibited for those who keep Kosher, a Jewish dietary law. Other incidents included forcefully removing and defiling mezuzahs from Jewish students' doors. (A mezuzah is a small decorative box containing a small parchment with an important Jewish prayer. The mezuzah is attached to the doorframe of a Jewish home – or in this case dorm room.) Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident; antisemitism is on the rise on university campuses across the country.

Being a Jewish Student

If you are Jewish in America, you are all too aware of the rising antisemitism in this country. Being Jewish is often viewed as different than being of another minority. Because Jews often look and identify as non-Hispanic white, people often downplay antisemitism; some even outright deny it is possible for Jews to be discriminated against, possibly some of your fellow students. But incidences of hate speech, minor crimes, and even violent crimes against Jews increase, and it can be difficult to be viewed by others and your university like just any other non-minority student.

As a Jewish student, you may feel uncomfortable, excluded, or discriminated against on campus; according to a survey by the American Jewish Committee, you aren't alone; 36% of Jewish college students surveyed felt just the way you do. Being Jewish on campus has become so difficult for some students that they have left a campus event because they felt uncomfortable. In addition, Jewish students are increasingly given a difficult time for taking time off for Jewish holidays. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are the holiest days of the year for Jews, and even universities with large Jewish student populations typically don't consider these days worthy of canceling classes.

What Responsibilities Do Universities Have to Their Jewish Students?

All students should feel safe and welcome on their campuses, and you, as a Jewish student, are no different. Like all other minority students, you deserve to be protected from discrimination. Your university should have policies in the university's code of conduct that explicitly condemn, prohibit antisemitic behavior, and make clear the serious disciplinary action the university will take against any student participating in such.

When incidents of antisemitism do occur, there should be a confidential reporting mechanism available to encourage prompt reporting. Students should feel comfortable reporting incidents and have confidence the reports will be taken seriously. Further, universities have an obligation to investigate each incidence of antisemitism thoroughly and respond appropriately.

How can Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento Help?

If you have been targeted because of your Jewish faith, you may feel various emotions, including anger, fear, or alone. But you are not alone. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Student Defense Team have years of experience fighting for students facing religion-based discrimination on campus. We fight for you on any issue you face and make sure you understand all your options and that your rights are fully protected. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or contact us online to set up your consultation.