Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has a Hillel, a Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In January 2023, “Hitler was right” was carved into the wall of the Student Union. Since October 7, there has also been some anti-Zionist activity on campus.

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally organized by Students for Justice in Palestine at Penn State, protesters displayed signs with messages that included: “Zionism is racism.” A speaker also expressed support for antisemitic U.S.-designated terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah, stating, “We are inspired by the martyrs of Palestine and Lebanon. We are inspired by the freedom fighters who are fighting the Zionist death machine…Lebanon and Palestine do not stand alone because we stand with them.”

In October 2024, at an anti-Israel SJP rally celebrating the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel protesters displayed signs with messages including “Zionism is racism” and “Long live the intifada.” That same month, a Jewish student wearing a Star of David necklace was called a "Nazi" while walking past an anti-Israel and antisemitic display at Penn State. Also in October 2024, a Jewish student received several antisemitic direct messages on Instagram, including "Die you Zionist cunt" and "Ur disgusting all Israelis should die."

University Policies and Response

The University condemns antisemitism when incidents occur, and the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development (CSED), a multi-faith learning community, supports more than 60 religious and spiritual organizations, and addresses antisemitism.

The University has several groups that address acts of bias or intolerance, including antisemitism. These groups include the Bias Response Network, among others.  In addition, there is an Expressive Events Group that has representation from various units across the University to monitor and prepare for activities and events that may cause controversy on campus.

Penn State's Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence offers a program aimed at fostering an inclusive campus climate for Jewish and Muslim students titled “Avoiding/Confronting Antisemitism and Islamophobia.” The University also offers voluntary trainings on interfaith education, diversity and bystander intervention. In addition, the College of the Liberal Arts has announced the new Gene and Roz Chaiken Dean's Fund for Antisemitism Education, which will fund the development, enhancement, and delivery of courses and programs to study and counter antisemitism.

The University also works closely with representatives of the campus Hillel and Chabad, including through partnerships on programming, joint fundraising and developing strategies to address and spread awareness of antisemitism.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has a Hillel, a Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In January 2023, “Hitler was right” was carved into the wall of the Student Union. Since October 7, there has also been some anti-Zionist activity on campus.

In September 2024, at an anti-Israel rally organized by Students for Justice in Palestine at Penn State, protesters displayed signs with messages that included: “Zionism is racism.” A speaker also expressed support for antisemitic U.S.-designated terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah, stating, “We are inspired by the martyrs of Palestine and Lebanon. We are inspired by the freedom fighters who are fighting the Zionist death machine…Lebanon and Palestine do not stand alone because we stand with them.”

In October 2024, at an anti-Israel SJP rally celebrating the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel protesters displayed signs with messages including “Zionism is racism” and “Long live the intifada.” That same month, a Jewish student wearing a Star of David necklace was called a "Nazi" while walking past an anti-Israel and antisemitic display at Penn State. Also in October 2024, a Jewish student received several antisemitic direct messages on Instagram, including "Die you Zionist cunt" and "Ur disgusting all Israelis should die."

University Policies and Response

The University condemns antisemitism when incidents occur, and the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development (CSED), a multi-faith learning community, supports more than 60 religious and spiritual organizations, and addresses antisemitism.

The University has several groups that address acts of bias or intolerance, including antisemitism. These groups include the Bias Response Network, among others.  In addition, there is an Expressive Events Group that has representation from various units across the University to monitor and prepare for activities and events that may cause controversy on campus.

Penn State's Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence offers a program aimed at fostering an inclusive campus climate for Jewish and Muslim students titled “Avoiding/Confronting Antisemitism and Islamophobia.” The University also offers voluntary trainings on interfaith education, diversity and bystander intervention. In addition, the College of the Liberal Arts has announced the new Gene and Roz Chaiken Dean's Fund for Antisemitism Education, which will fund the development, enhancement, and delivery of courses and programs to study and counter antisemitism.

The University also works closely with representatives of the campus Hillel and Chabad, including through partnerships on programming, joint fundraising and developing strategies to address and spread awareness of antisemitism.