Emory has a Hillel, Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In October 2023, students were accused of chanting antisemitic phrases during anti-Israel protests. Weeks later, a Jewish student wearing a yarmulke was allegedly harassed when he passed a Palestinian relief organization tabling on campus. Similar incidents have occurred in previous years, including a student who said she was harassed by peers for traveling on Birthright Israel.  While there are no active BDS campaigns in Emory’s student government, groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) advocate for it.

In April 2024, during an anti-Israel protest in front of the Emory University Chabad House, protesters allegedly called students attending Chabad's event "Nazis," "Kikes," "Faggots" and "Baby killers." A participant and counter-protesters also engaged in a back and forth through a fence, as counter-protesters attempted to steal an Israeli flag the participant was holding. That same month, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters chanted, "Zionist Zionist go back home, Palestine is our home." A speaker also referred to the University's president as a "Zionist puppet."

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters displayed signs with messages that included “Resistance against occupation is human right.”

In October 2024, during a meeting with students who were in the process of starting a Jewish public health club at Emory University, individuals associated with the university asked the students multiple questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the fact that the students' application was unrelated to the conflict. An individual at the meeting reportedly told the students that Jewish people consider too many things antisemitic.

University Policies and Responsive Action

University President Gregory Fenves wrote to the campus community following the Fall 2023 protests, saying he was “appalled by this behavior.” In 2023, Fenves also made an appearance at Emory's Israel Fest.

Emory placed an assistant professor in the School of Medicine on leave in November 2023 after she allegedly made antisemitic comments on a personal social media account.

In April 2024, an encampment was rapidly cleared by law enforcement, leading to a number of arrests, including of outside protestors. During subsequent protests, a number of injuries to protestors and police officers were reported. Following the de-escalation of the situation, President Fenves released a statement noting “I am saddened by what took place at Emory yesterday... As Emory community members continue to express themselves and protest, we are committed to working with students and faculty, open expression observers, and the EPD to facilitate their peaceful expression. However, we will not tolerate vandalism, violence, or any attempt to disrupt our campus through the construction of encampments. These actions are counter to our values, and they disrupt the core purpose of the university and its educational and research missions.”

Emory's Dean of Religious Life and Jewish Chaplain co-chair the monthly meetings of the Jewish Life Working Group, which seeks to support vibrant Jewish life on campus and promote an inclusive culture. The group sponsors annual Emory Hanukkah and Yom HaShoah observances, and also meets to address other events and issues as they arise, including antisemitism.

Emory’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance partners with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to provide trainings outlining the best strategies for guarding against antisemitism and Islamophobia to prevent discrimination based on national origin. The University has also organized a number of educational events, including “Campus Speech About Jews After October 7” and “Tough Topics, Free Food, and Civil Conversation,” and has established the Emory Conversation Project.

Commendations

On June 18, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to Emory University for its swift action to address campus encampments.

Emory has a Hillel, Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In October 2023, students were accused of chanting antisemitic phrases during anti-Israel protests. Weeks later, a Jewish student wearing a yarmulke was allegedly harassed when he passed a Palestinian relief organization tabling on campus. Similar incidents have occurred in previous years, including a student who said she was harassed by peers for traveling on Birthright Israel.  While there are no active BDS campaigns in Emory’s student government, groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) advocate for it.

In April 2024, during an anti-Israel protest in front of the Emory University Chabad House, protesters allegedly called students attending Chabad's event "Nazis," "Kikes," "Faggots" and "Baby killers." A participant and counter-protesters also engaged in a back and forth through a fence, as counter-protesters attempted to steal an Israeli flag the participant was holding. That same month, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters chanted, "Zionist Zionist go back home, Palestine is our home." A speaker also referred to the University's president as a "Zionist puppet."

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters displayed signs with messages that included “Resistance against occupation is human right.”

In October 2024, during a meeting with students who were in the process of starting a Jewish public health club at Emory University, individuals associated with the university asked the students multiple questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the fact that the students' application was unrelated to the conflict. An individual at the meeting reportedly told the students that Jewish people consider too many things antisemitic.

University Policies and Responsive Action

University President Gregory Fenves wrote to the campus community following the Fall 2023 protests, saying he was “appalled by this behavior.” In 2023, Fenves also made an appearance at Emory's Israel Fest.

Emory placed an assistant professor in the School of Medicine on leave in November 2023 after she allegedly made antisemitic comments on a personal social media account.

In April 2024, an encampment was rapidly cleared by law enforcement, leading to a number of arrests, including of outside protestors. During subsequent protests, a number of injuries to protestors and police officers were reported. Following the de-escalation of the situation, President Fenves released a statement noting “I am saddened by what took place at Emory yesterday... As Emory community members continue to express themselves and protest, we are committed to working with students and faculty, open expression observers, and the EPD to facilitate their peaceful expression. However, we will not tolerate vandalism, violence, or any attempt to disrupt our campus through the construction of encampments. These actions are counter to our values, and they disrupt the core purpose of the university and its educational and research missions.”

Emory's Dean of Religious Life and Jewish Chaplain co-chair the monthly meetings of the Jewish Life Working Group, which seeks to support vibrant Jewish life on campus and promote an inclusive culture. The group sponsors annual Emory Hanukkah and Yom HaShoah observances, and also meets to address other events and issues as they arise, including antisemitism.

Emory’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance partners with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to provide trainings outlining the best strategies for guarding against antisemitism and Islamophobia to prevent discrimination based on national origin. The University has also organized a number of educational events, including “Campus Speech About Jews After October 7” and “Tough Topics, Free Food, and Civil Conversation,” and has established the Emory Conversation Project.

Commendations

On June 18, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to Emory University for its swift action to address campus encampments.