Following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, there has been a troubling increase in the amount and frequency of antisemitic rhetoric, both here in the United States and around the world. The prejudice goes beyond name-calling and discriminatory statements—it has led to vandalism, physical threats, and violent encounters. Perhaps surprisingly, the inflammatory speech and aggressive actions extend even to college campuses.

The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights reports that it has received over 80 complaints alleging discrimination since the October 7th attacks. Not all of the allegations concern Jewish students, however. There have also been reports of anti-Palestinian discrimination as well as discrimination that targets people of other races, religions, or ethnicities.

Students who feel threatened, whose academic career is being negatively impacted by discrimination, or who believe their school's administration is not taking their complaints of injustice seriously should seek legal assistance immediately. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can be contacted at 888.535.3686 or by clicking here.

Hatred By the Numbers

Just a few weeks after Hamas launched its deadly attack from Gaza, Reuters revealed that nearly three-quarters of Jewish students attending college in the United States had experienced some type of antisemitism. The hate isn't contained to campuses, however. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that in the two weeks after Hamas gunmen first took aim at Israelis and killed over 1,400 people, instances of antisemitism in the United States jumped by 400%.

Both on college campuses and in American communities, these acts included physical assault, vandalism, threats made online and in person, and pro-Palestinian rallies.

Jewish campus organization Hillel International has announced a few more alarming statistics:

• 939 reported antisemitic incidents on college campuses since October 7, representing a 700% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
• 306 such incidents occurred in just the first month of the Israel-Hamas conflict
• 129 unique campuses impacted by acts of antisemitism
• 59 of these schools saw multiple reported incidents

College and University Responses to Allegations

What makes this already lamentable trend even worse, however, is the fact that not all schools where antisemitic activity has taken place have responded appropriately. Some of the most renowned institutions of higher learning in the country came under fire for insensitive remarks made by their leaders.

In December 2023, the presidents of MIT, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania appeared before the House Education Committee to defend and clarify remarks they had previously made, citing freedom of speech and attempting to dodge the culpability that many, on campuses and elsewhere, were calling for.

Of course, schools have failed their Jewish students in much more individual and private capacities, too. Across the country, these students and their supporters report feeling unsafe on campus—and complain that they've been victimized twice, after voicing concerns to their schools—concerns they say fell on deaf ears.

Feeling Unsafe and Unheard?

No matter what your religion, heritage, country of origin, or ethnicity, you deserve a safe environment in which to study.

If you have experienced antisemitic attacks or acts of hatred and feel ignored by your campus leaders, the Education Defense team at Lento Law Firm can help you understand how to proceed. Call 888.535.3686 or click here to discuss your case.