IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2024
Contact: Avi D. Gordon, Executive Director Alums for Campus Fairness
[email protected] 

ACF Applauds U.S. House Education Committee’s Condemnation of Northwestern University’s Failure to Protect Jewish Students 

New York, NY – The U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Education and the Workforce released a groundbreaking report exposing institutional support for antisemitism at American colleges and universities. Some of the most damning findings concern Northwestern University, where Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) has spent the past year highlighting the volatile campus climate and failure of university leaders to protect Jewish students. 

ACF Executive Director Avi D. Gordon released the following statement: 

“This Congressional investigation reveals an outrageous pattern of behavior at Northwestern. Not only did leaders including President Michael Schill repeatedly fail in their most basic responsibility to protect Jewish students, but many university employees actively participated in the hateful conduct.” 

The report, “Antisemitism on College Campuses Exposed,” unveils the daunting truth that many universities, including Northwestern, simply do not prioritize the safety and well-being of Jewish students.  

Despite numerous complaints to the administration, Northwestern has taken no disciplinary action against students involved in the unlawful encampment, which became a breeding ground for hate. Jewish students walking by were frequently subjected to verbal harassment, and in one reported case, a student was physically assaulted.  

Not only did Northwestern enter into a treaty with the encampment on their campus, but they appointed radical anti-Israel faculty members Jessica Winegar and Nour Ktelily in charge of spearheading the negotiations. During negotiations, Ktelily had texted saying he was inspired by the radicalized students and hoped he could continue helping them get “amazing wins”.   

Northwestern’s provost, Kathleen Hagerty, was recorded agreeing to a boycott of Sabra hummus, a company which has historically been targeted by the BDS movement, as a part of the concessions to the encampment. Hagerty praised her fellow faculty members for radicalizing student demonstrators.  

 In April, ACF called for the resignation of Schill and Northwestern Chairman Peter Barris. Northwestern will be unable to turn the chapter on this dark period in the university’s history until they accept responsibility and make way for new leadership. 

  About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.