Columbia task force details campus antisemitism
Columbia University’s antisemitism task force released a nearly 70‑page final report detailing harassment of Jewish and Israeli students in classes and on campus and urging clearer policies, broader Middle East studies faculty expertise, and consistent anti‑discrimination enforcement. The report cites specific incidents, including a student told she was 'one of the murderers' due to IDF service, a teacher alleging donors 'laundered blood money,' and protesters targeting a class taught by a visiting Israeli professor. Acting President Claire Shipman thanked the task force and said the findings will inform ongoing changes.
📌 Key Facts
- Final report spans ~70 pages and compiles student accounts from listening sessions
- Cited incidents include targeted comments in class and disruption of a course on Zionism taught by a visiting Israeli professor
- Recommendations include clearer policies, expanded faculty diversity/expertise in Middle East studies, and stricter anti‑discrimination enforcement
📊 Relevant Data
Jewish students constitute approximately 24% of the student body at Columbia University.
Colleges with Highest Jewish Population - Complete Rankings — Masa Israel Journey
In the 2024-2025 academic year, there were 2,334 antisemitic incidents reported on US college campuses, representing a ten-fold increase from the 289 incidents in the 2022-2023 academic year.
US campuses see record levels of antisemitism, but drop in violent attacks — The Times of Israel
Only 34% of Jewish students at Columbia University felt a sense of belonging during the 2023-2024 academic year, compared to less than half for Muslim students.
Less than half of Jewish and Muslim students feel sense of belonging at Columbia, Universitywide survey finds — Columbia Spectator
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"Nikki Haley’s commentary responds to documented campus antisemitism (as detailed by Columbia’s task force) and argues that left‑wing falsehoods about Israel—framed as occupation and genocide—must be exposed and refuted by leaders because they amount to delegitimization of the Jewish state and fuel antisemitism."