AVI is calling on universities to implement measures to protect Jewish students and our allies on campus
Today marks the official first day of the new school year and yet, Jewish students – and students of conscience more broadly – have already been subjected to antisemitic taunts and messages at university campuses such as Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), McGill University, and others.
I am pleased to share that at least some universities have reprimanded students who engaged in vitriolic anti-Israel activity last year, while others are taking initiatives to prevent anti-Jewish hatred from festering on campus.
McMaster University has barred three anti-Israel students from participating in certain campus activities, the University of Ottawa has created a Special Advisor on Antisemitism role on campus, and McGill University is continuing to pursue legal action to bar the hateful SPHR club on campus from using the name McGill.
McGill has also called upon the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) to sever its relationship with SPHR and cease any distribution of funds to them.
In the United States, campuses have taken an even tougher stance against anti-Jewish hatred on campus. Northwestern University has announced mandatory antisemitism training for incoming and returning students; Indiana University has barred protests within 25 feet of any buildings and any demonstrations that block access points; the University of California, the University of Connecticut, and others have prohibited encampments on campus; New York University has updated its discrimination polices to prohibit any derogatory usage of the term 'Zionism', and several campuses have suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters.
University administrators on campuses across Canada must follow these important precedents to ensure that campuses are a safe learning environment for all.
Please see below to read six ways in particular that universities can ensure a smoother transition into campus life this year.
There are many ways universities can better combat the scourge of antisemitism on their campuses, including following important precedents that have already been set.
School Administrations need to adopt a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for glorifying terrorism and excusing the murder of innocent civilians
1. Adopt a policy that clearly stipulates the glorification of terrorism and/or indiscriminate murder of innocent civilians will
NOT BE ALLOWED on campus.
This is not a form of free speech but hate speech and violates university policies across the board.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Real consequences must be enforced for Professors and Students who espouse hateful rhetoric
2. Ensure real consequences and reprimands for hateful professors and students on campus.
Once professors promote murder under the form of "resistance" or use Nazi logos or slogans to refer to Jewish Canadians, they must be placed on leave and investigated.
Once student clubs invite terrorists to campus or celebrate violence, their actions must be immediately investigated and in some cases the students should be suspended if not expelled.
School Administrations must adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism
3. Formally adopt the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism.
This is the universally accepted definition for anti-Jewish hatred, endorsed by both the Liberal and Conservative parties in Canada.
It has been formally adopted by the Governments of Canada, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Schools MUST ensure mandatory antisemitism training for all Professors and Faculty Members
4. Ensure mandatory antisemitism training for all professors and faculty members, as has already been done at campuses such as Northwestern University.
Make sure the training is led by mainstream organizations that represent the Jewish community.
All schools must have a Special Advisor on Antisemitism
5. Follow the example of the University of Ottawa and create a Special Advisor on Antisemitism.
Student Clubs/Groups that have promulgated hateful anti-Jewish rhetoric MUST be held accountable by School Administrations
6. Call for a probe into groups and/or student clubs that have promulgated anti-Jewish hatred on campus for years and have demonstrated a pattern of antisemitism on campus.
With the rising trend of anti-Jewish hatred and hostility across Canadian campuses, we must continue to put pressure on administrators to act on these six steps. It is a right, not a privilege, for students of all backgrounds to feel safe, valued, and included on campus – Jewish and Israeli students included.
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