Michigan State University (MSU) has the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies, Hillel, a Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

There have been a number of incidents at MSU following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, including several anti-Israel incidents associated with Students United for Palestinian Rights, which is an officially recognized student group. In November 2023, an Israeli flag was torn down and stolen from the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house.

In October 2023, an image of Hitler was broadcast during a trivia quiz displayed on the jumbotron during a football game.

Prior to Hanukkah in 2023, a university employee reportedly told students who staff residence hall front desks that menorahs would be displayed in certain dorms and requested students to come forward if they felt “trauma.” When a non-Jewish student suggested to the university employee that menorahs are religious symbols and should not produce a traumatic response, the employee reportedly dismissed the conversation, saying “I don’t take sides.”

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters held signs with messages that included “F*** Zionists” and “Long Live the Intifada.”

University Policies and Responsive Action

Following the football game incident, the University placed an employee on paid leave pending investigation.

Although MSU does not have a school-wide definition of antisemitism, the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies has developed a guide on antisemitism, which cites the IHRA Definition.

MSU’s Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion hosted a “Conversations on Antisemitism and Islamophobia” event series in spring of 2023. In addition, the Institute’s faculty teach a series of courses on Jewish and Israeli studies as well as antisemitism and anti-Muslim symposia and workshops.

The Serling Institute - along with other Jewish organizations - has supported the University DEI Strategic Planning Committee in developing robust university religious observance policies.

In Spring 2024, the University launched a DEI Foundations learning module, which includes discussions of antisemitism and is required for all employees and students.

The Serling Institute has also facilitated many antisemitism trainings educating more than 1,000 Residential Advisors, 200 MSU communications staff, 80 staff from the Office for Civil Rights and other staff connected with residential housing. In addition, the Institute collaborates with Hillel and Chabad for an annual forum on antisemitism for students. Senior leadership also regularly collaborates with and attends events hosted by Jewish campus organizations, including Shabbat dinners, Passover and the October 7 commemorative vigil.

Beginning in July 2024, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has convened a monthly gathering of colleagues to discuss issues of student safety and support and concerns of campus community members. This group includes representatives from Hillel, the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, MSU Police and Public Safety, Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, and the Division of Student Life and Engagement.

ADL Michigan honored Hillel, Chabad and Yael Aranoff from the Serling Institute at its Walk Against Hate in Fall 2024.

Commendations

On October 30, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to Michigan State University for the actions and policies implemented by the administration to combat antisemitism on campus in advance of the 2024 fall semester. 

Michigan State University (MSU) has the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies, Hillel, a Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

There have been a number of incidents at MSU following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, including several anti-Israel incidents associated with Students United for Palestinian Rights, which is an officially recognized student group. In November 2023, an Israeli flag was torn down and stolen from the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house.

In October 2023, an image of Hitler was broadcast during a trivia quiz displayed on the jumbotron during a football game.

Prior to Hanukkah in 2023, a university employee reportedly told students who staff residence hall front desks that menorahs would be displayed in certain dorms and requested students to come forward if they felt “trauma.” When a non-Jewish student suggested to the university employee that menorahs are religious symbols and should not produce a traumatic response, the employee reportedly dismissed the conversation, saying “I don’t take sides.”

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally, protesters held signs with messages that included “F*** Zionists” and “Long Live the Intifada.”

University Policies and Responsive Action

Following the football game incident, the University placed an employee on paid leave pending investigation.

Although MSU does not have a school-wide definition of antisemitism, the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies has developed a guide on antisemitism, which cites the IHRA Definition.

MSU’s Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion hosted a “Conversations on Antisemitism and Islamophobia” event series in spring of 2023. In addition, the Institute’s faculty teach a series of courses on Jewish and Israeli studies as well as antisemitism and anti-Muslim symposia and workshops.

The Serling Institute - along with other Jewish organizations - has supported the University DEI Strategic Planning Committee in developing robust university religious observance policies.

In Spring 2024, the University launched a DEI Foundations learning module, which includes discussions of antisemitism and is required for all employees and students.

The Serling Institute has also facilitated many antisemitism trainings educating more than 1,000 Residential Advisors, 200 MSU communications staff, 80 staff from the Office for Civil Rights and other staff connected with residential housing. In addition, the Institute collaborates with Hillel and Chabad for an annual forum on antisemitism for students. Senior leadership also regularly collaborates with and attends events hosted by Jewish campus organizations, including Shabbat dinners, Passover and the October 7 commemorative vigil.

Beginning in July 2024, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has convened a monthly gathering of colleagues to discuss issues of student safety and support and concerns of campus community members. This group includes representatives from Hillel, the Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, MSU Police and Public Safety, Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, and the Division of Student Life and Engagement.

ADL Michigan honored Hillel, Chabad and Yael Aranoff from the Serling Institute at its Walk Against Hate in Fall 2024.

Commendations

On October 30, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to Michigan State University for the actions and policies implemented by the administration to combat antisemitism on campus in advance of the 2024 fall semester.