Hillel, AJC to Bring Together University Leaders to Discuss Antisemitism and Improve Campus Climate for Jewish Students
Hillel International, American Jewish Committee will convene a two-day summit in February for college and university presidents, in collaboration with American Council on Education
NEW YORK– Hillel International and American Jewish Committee (AJC), in collaboration with the American Council on Education (ACE), will bring together college and university leaders from across the United States for a two-day summit on the unprecedented increase in antisemitic activity and the marginalization of Jewish students on campus. The February summit will be hosted by New York University.
“University presidents have a critical role to play in improving the campus climate for Jewish students and ensuring all students can live and study in environments free of hate and intolerance,” said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International. “This summit will give university administrators the tools and resources they need to speak out against antisemitism and take specific steps to make our campuses safer“
“As we confront the threat of rising antisemitism across America and around the world, Jewish students have been among the most visible targets of Jew-hatred in its various forms,” said David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee. “University leaders are our most important allies in confronting antisemitism on campus, and we look forward to working even more closely with them to ensure Jewish students, like students of all other backgrounds and faiths, are able to pursue education free of fear or intimidation.”
The University Presidents Summit brings together leaders of colleges and universities across the United States to explore meaningful ways in which institutions can respond to antisemitism within the context of fulfilling their overarching diversity, equity, and inclusion mission to combat all forms of racism, bigotry, discrimination, and harassment on campus, while respecting principles of academic freedom and free speech.
The summit will take place February 7-8 in New York City and will be hosted by NYU President Andrew Hamilton. It will include a keynote dinner, presentations from university and Jewish community leaders, and confidential breakout sessions for university administrators to explore key issues in depth with one another. The Summit will also offer campus leaders a unique opportunity to share best practices, develop institution specific approaches, and share resources that enable action.
“We are excited to collaborate with Hillel and AJC to address this essential and timely issue for college and university leaders,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “The conversations we engage in at this summit will help institutions across the country craft strategies to improve the campus climate for Jewish students and other community members.”