The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry. In doing so it seeks to enhance and protect the interests of the campus Jewish community.
Increasing incidents of harassment and hate crimes on college and university campuses make it clear that the ideals of the higher education environment: inquiry, free expression, and civil exchange of ideas, can be easily exploited by perpetrators of hate. ADL is equipped with a broad range of preventive and reactive programs and resources to address the challenges of hate on campus.
ISSUES FACING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
- Harassment
Many students and faculty suffer malicious forms of harassment including threats, physical attack and verbal abuse.
- Anti-Semitic Speakers
Extremist and anti-Semitic speakers are invited to campus by student organizations where they spew anti-Semitic vitriol and create divisiveness among student groups.
- Holocaust Denial
Propagandists target campus newspapers to place advertisements questioning the established history of the Holocaust.
- Anti-Israel Divestment Campaigns
In an effort to delegitimize the state of Israel, far-left and radical Muslim groups have launched a campaign to divest from companies doing business with Israel.
- Religious Accommodation
Conflicts often arise when exams or course registration are scheduled on Jewish and other religious holidays. Students are placed in the difficult position of choosing between religious observance and the fulfillment of an academic requirement.
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
- A CAMPUS OF DIFFERENCE™
Through the Campus of Difference program, college administrators, faculty members and students learn to examine stereotypes, expand cultural awareness, explore the value of diversity, and combat all forms of bigotry. A CAMPUS OF DIFFERENCE™is a program component of the Anti-Defamation League's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, and is a leading provider in the development and delivery of diversity and anti-bias training and resources on college and university campuses throughout the United States http://www.adl.org/education/edu_awod/awod_campus.asp
- Current and Future Leaders Study Mission to Israel
Politically active undergraduate students learn first hand about Israel today and the complexity of issues surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations and other regional politics by engaging with politicians, decision makers, journalists, students, and ordinary citizens.
- ADL Campus Editors Study Mission to Poland and Israel
Aspiring journalists travel from Eastern Europe to Israel to learn the cultural and historical roots of Judaism and experience the current realities of Israelis and Palestinians.
- Confronting Anti-Semitism Project
The CONFRONTING ANTI-SEMITISM Project empowers the Jewish community to respond to anti-Semitic incidents and to challenge the persistent anti-Semitic stereotypes that are at the root of these incidents.
For more information:
Stacey Berkowitz
Director of Campus and Confronting Anti-Semitism Initiatives
Phone: 212-885-7837
Fax: 212-490-0187
Email: sberkowitz@adl.org
www.adl.org