New ACF Report Exposes Worsening Antisemitism and Compromised Safety on Campuses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2024
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New ACF Report Exposes Worsening Antisemitism and Compromised Safety on Campuses

New York, NY – Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF), the leading alumni network dedicated to combating antisemitism on U.S. college and university campuses, has released a compelling new report detailing the alarming rise of antisemitism over the past academic year. The report highlights a significant increase in the frequency and severity of antisemitic incidents. This data, when compared to ACF’s 2021 survey results, reveals disturbing trends that demand urgent attention.

The findings indicate that antisemitism is not only persisting but worsening. The percentage of respondents who believe antisemitism is a “very serious problem” has surged by 9 points, from 74% to 83%. Furthermore, an overwhelming 93% of Jewish students and recent graduates identify antisemitism as a continuing concern.

Considering the survey findings, Avi D. Gordon, Executive Director of Alums for Campus Fairness, stated, “It is painfully evident that Jewish and pro-Israel students faced significant challenges during the 2023-2024 academic year. The high-profile antisemitic incidents and the pervasive climate of fear on many of our nation’s campuses are well known.”

The report also underscores the escalating safety concerns for Jewish students. Alarmingly, 8 in 10 respondents reported avoiding certain areas on campus due to fears for their safety. The situation is particularly dire at private universities, where there has been a 45% increase in reported physical threats against Jewish students.

ACF’s 2024 survey provides the hard data needed to quantify this difficult year and validate the lived experiences of students and alumni. Gordon further emphasized that the 2024 survey reinforced the crucial role that community plays in ensuring student safety. “Despite the overall grim picture, there are encouraging signs. Students and recent graduates who participated in organized Jewish community events reported feeling significantly safer on campus. This underscores the vital importance of community support and should drive us to redouble our efforts to nurture and protect Jewish life on campuses across the country.”

The full report is available for download here.

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.