Major Educational Organizations Unite to Combat Campus Antisemitism as Student Advocacy Programs Show Promise

Educational institutions across the United States are taking decisive action to address antisemitism on campus, with major higher education organizations pledging comprehensive reforms while innovative student advocacy programs demonstrate measurable impact in creating safer, more inclusive learning environments.

Here’s a look at some of CEA’s strategic work over the last few months on behalf of Jewish students everywhere:

Higher Education Associations Representing Thousands of Colleges and Universities Pledge Reforms to Fight Campus Antisemitism | Last month, AJC led a landmark joint pledge with the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the American Council on Education (ACE), which is a critical advancement in creating learning environments where all Jewish students can pursue their education safely and without hate.Listen to Sara Coodin, AJC Director of Academic Affairs and Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education, discuss the joint effort in this episode of AJC’s People of the Pod podcast.

Historic Pledge Marks Turning Point for Campus Safety

The American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Center for Education Advocacy (CEA) recently facilitated a landmark joint pledge with the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the American Council on Education (ACE), representing thousands of colleges and universities nationwide. This unprecedented collaboration signals a critical advancement in establishing educational environments where all students can pursue their academic goals without fear of harassment or discrimination.

The initiative addresses growing concerns about campus climate issues that have affected Jewish students’ ability to fully participate in university life. Educational leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of proactive measures to ensure all students feel welcomed and supported in their academic communities.

Direct Engagement Drives Institutional Change

Over the past three months, CEA has conducted more than 25 strategic meetings with university presidents and chancellors across diverse institutional types, including Ivy League schools, large public research universities, and smaller liberal arts and faith-based colleges. These engagements have included educational briefings at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and institutions participating in the Ruderman Campus Allies Initiative.

These direct conversations have produced tangible outcomes, helping universities develop comprehensive strategies for sustainable cultural transformation. Institutions are implementing evidence-based approaches from AJC’s Action Plan to address campus climate concerns and promote inclusive educational environments.

K-12 Education Initiatives Show Promise

Inaugural Independent School Summit | AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy brought together 160 educators from over 30 leading New York City independent schools at its inaugural Independent School Summit in New York City, organized in partnership with NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism. The summit addressed the current surge in antisemitism, providing educators with best practices for creating curriculum and school culture that are inclusive of Jewish history and identity.

Independent School Summit Brings Educators Together

AJC’s inaugural Independent School Summit in New York City brought together 160 educators from over 30 leading independent schools, organized in partnership with NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism. The summit provided practical resources for creating curriculum and school culture that authentically incorporates diverse historical perspectives and identities.

Participants engaged with AJC’s updated Action Plan for Independent School Administrators while exploring frameworks for discussing complex international topics and ensuring school policies effectively address bias incidents.

Student Empowerment Conference Inspires Action

The “Am V’Ometz: Building Jewish Confidence” conference, hosted in partnership with SAR High School, reached over 700 students from multiple independent schools. AJC CEO Ted Deutch emphasized the importance of students being guided by pride in their heritage while contributing positively to their school communities.

Watch Ted Deutch’s remarks here

Student Leadership Programs Demonstrate Impact

Goldman Summer Fellowship Program

Seventeen outstanding undergraduate students have begun the Goldman Summer Fellowship Program, working across 15 AJC offices in the United States and Brussels. These fellows contribute to advocacy initiatives, diplomatic engagement, and congressional relations while developing professional skills in public service.

AJC San Diego LFT student Abigail Weisman reads a book about Jewish holiday traditions to local elementary school students. Her advocacy project, “The Tree of Life: Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month,” proudly displayed books with Jewish authors and themes at her high school library during the month of May.

Campus Advocacy Recognition

The Sharon Greene Award for Campus Advocacy recognized Penn Hillel, Chabad of College Hill, and the Latin American Jewish Student Union at AJC Global Forum 2025. These organizations were honored for their dedication to reducing bias, supporting students, and promoting campus life for all community members.

View award recipients’ remarks

High School Advocacy Projects Show Innovation

AJC’s LFT (Leaders for Tomorrow) program empowers high school students to implement original advocacy projects that combat bias, strengthen identity, and build intergroup understanding. This year’s award recipients—Tessa Siegel, Sarah Korff, Sydney Kurtz, Kate Effress, and Abigail Weisman—addressed visibility, remembrance, and inclusion through educational campaigns and community initiatives.

One notable project, “The Tree of Life: Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month,” featured displays of books by Jewish authors and themes at a high school library, promoting awareness of diverse literary contributions.

Read more about LFT participants

Looking Ahead: Resources and Applications

Educational institutions and community members can access comprehensive resources through AJC.org/CampusResources. Back-to-school resources will be available in August to support parents, students, and educators in promoting inclusive educational environments.

Applications for the LFT 2025-2026 program are now open for high school students interested in developing advocacy skills and implementing community impact projects.

The Center for Education Advocacy continues working toward its mission of ensuring all students can learn and grow in environments free from harassment, intimidation, and violence, while partnering with educators committed to fostering belonging for all students.

Contact Information: Dr. Laura Shaw Frank
Vice President, AJC Center for Education Advocacy
AJC.org/CampusResources

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