The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released an updated report evaluating how US colleges are tackling antisemitism and ensuring a safe environment for Jewish students. The report, which grades institutions from A to F, assessed 135 universities—an increase from the 85 schools included in the previous study.
Key Findings: Increased Efforts but Ongoing Concerns
The ADL’s report card, first launched in April 2024, came in response to a rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. The latest findings show improvement in many universities, with 46% of schools enhancing their efforts, while only 9% received lower grades compared to the previous year.
- 36% of schools received an A or B, up from 23.5% in 2024.
- Less than 10% received an F, marking a slight decrease from the previous report.
- More than 50% of universities implemented new policies to counter antisemitism.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt acknowledged the progress but emphasized that many Jewish students still feel unsafe on college campuses.
How Schools Were Evaluated
The ADL used a 30-point grading system based on:
- University policies addressing antisemitism
- Frequency of antisemitic incidents on campus
- Efforts to create an inclusive environment for Jewish students and faculty
Greenblatt emphasized that every school should strive for an A, stating, “This should be the standard, not a high bar.”
Harvard’s Improvement: From an F to a C
One of the most notable improvements came from Harvard University, which raised its grade from an F to a C. Other Ivy League schools also showed progress:
- University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University improved from a D to a C.
- Dartmouth College earned the highest Ivy League rating, moving from C to B.
- Columbia University remained at a D.
Top and Bottom Performers
Among the best-performing schools, earning an A, were:
- Brandeis University
- CUNY Queens College
- Elon University
- University of Miami
- Vanderbilt University
Schools that received an F included:
- Pomona College
- Portland State University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of Minnesota
Notably, institutions like University of Michigan, Tufts University, and SUNY Rockland Community College improved by two letter grades.
Government Action and Policy Changes
In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at strengthening efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. The Department of Education also launched investigations into allegations of antisemitic harassment at five universities, including Columbia University and UC Berkeley.
The Justice Department, in February 2025, established a task force to combat campus antisemitism. The initiative includes visits to 10 universities to address concerns and ensure policies are enforced.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Continued Efforts
While many universities have made strides, the ADL warns that challenges remain. Schools that implemented stricter policies, mandated education on antisemitism, and improved bias reporting saw the most positive changes.
Greenblatt concluded, “The progress we’ve seen proves that change is possible. University leaders must take real action to continue improving.”
