Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has a Hillel, Chabad, and Jewish Greek life.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In May 2021, the student Board of Directors at Cal Poly passed a resolution to officially condemn antisemitic acts, urging the university administration to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

In October 2023, two Jewish students were verbally harassed with the phrase "Death to Israel" from a passing vehicle.

In May 2024, a faculty member at the university received an email containing antisemitic messages. The messages claimed that "Jewish groups are paying to send U.S. police to train in Israel...to protect Illuminati Jewish elite," that "Jews control the media and own America" and that Jews "are declaring war on the entire white race." That same month, students at Cal Poly issued a 25-page document demanding the university divest from Israel, highlighting ongoing tensions on campus.

In October 2024, graffiti was spray-painted on campus buildings that read "From Gaza to Cal Poly, let the intifada spread." Also in October 2024, at an anti-Israel rally celebrating the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, antisemitic terrorist attack, protesters displayed a banner that read, “End the occupation” with inverted red triangle imagery, a symbol popularized by Hamas to mark targets.

University Policies and Responsive Action

In October 2023, Cal Poly President Armstrong apologized for the administration's initial statement following the Hamas attacks on Israel, which was seen as lacking.

To address antisemitism and promote inclusivity, Cal Poly administration has partnered with Hillel to conduct antisemitism training and is part of the Campus Climate Initiative. Additionally, the university plans to establish an Interfaith Center to support Jewish and other faith-based students.

In March 2025, the University announced that it would be building an interfaith center on campus, establishing a Civil Discourse Panel of community members to promote awareness and education and amending their Statement on Diversity and Inclusivity to include statements regarding antisemitism, anti-Zionism and other forms of discrimination or harassment. 

Critically, the University has also established a Presidential Antisemitism Task Force, which will evaluate data gathered through a Jewish climate survey this Spring and develop a campus action plan that is focused on Jewish student life, antisemitism education, and cultural awareness.  

*Following the implementation of new policy actions, Cal Poly SLO’s 2025 grade was revised from an F to a D on April 4, 2025.