Tulane has a Hillel, the Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience, Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

Litigation & Investigations

In December 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation into allegations of antisemitism at Tulane.

What’s Happening on Campus?

At a rally in October 2023, a fight broke out near campus between protesters and counter protesters after someone reportedly tried to set fire to an Israeli flag. During the protest, a Jewish student was struck multiple times in the head with a flagpole and another was hit with a megaphone.

There have been multiple rallies with anti-Zionist rhetoric, as well as antisemitic graffiti found on campus. In November 2023, posters of Israeli hostages were torn down.

In August 2024, an individual sent threatening antisemitic messages to multiple Jewish Tulane University students. One of the messages read "The Zionist is reaking [sic] from your stench and I can smell the blood from your hands" and "Wicked Zionist b****."

In October 2024, during an anti-Israel study-in demonstration, protesters displayed signs with messages that included “Imagine being a proud Nazi, I mean Zionist.”

That same month, at an anti-Israel rally that involved students from both Loyola University and Tulane due to the proximity of the two campuses, protesters celebrated the October 7 attack on Israel and displayed signs from Freedom Road Socialist Organization with messages that included: “Victory to the Palestinian Resistance.”

University Policies and Responsive Action

Since October 7, 2023, Tulane has increased security both on and off-campus and increased resources and support for students, faculty and staff experiencing antisemitism or other forms of harassment. President Michael Fitts has released several statements condemning antisemitism on campus and providing the community with security updates and resources.

Tulane uses the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism in equity, diversity and inclusion trainings and is launching an Antisemitism Awareness Week to further expand antisemitism training. Tulane also has online modules and discrimination and harassment trainings available for students which address antisemitism and other forms of hate.

The President’s Commission was established in 2015 and worked to create a more equitable and inclusive Tulane community. This work includes countering campus antisemitism.

In April 2024, the New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana State Police dismantled an anti-Israel encampment on campus. Police arrested 14 protesters, including 2 students, and suspended seven Tulane students for participating in the encampment on university property. “We fully support the freedom of speech and assembly,” Tulane’s statement said. “These rights must be exercised, however, in a manner that does not disrupt our academic mission, compromise the safety or the free speech of others, or hinder support systems for our students."

The University has formally collaborated with Tulane Hillel on several initiatives including an antisemitism working group and interfaith dialogue efforts. In Spring 2024, the University organized focus groups to help inform the work of the antisemitism working group.

Mandatory antisemitism education is required for all incoming students, and a mandatory staff training on Title VI protections related to addressing and preventing antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus is launching in March 2025.

*Following the implementation of new policy actions, Tulane University’s 2025 grade was revised from a C to a B on April 4, 2025. 

Commendations

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

Tulane has a Hillel, the Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience, Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

Litigation & Investigations

In December 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation into allegations of antisemitism at Tulane.

What’s Happening on Campus?

At a rally in October 2023, a fight broke out near campus between protesters and counter protesters after someone reportedly tried to set fire to an Israeli flag. During the protest, a Jewish student was struck multiple times in the head with a flagpole and another was hit with a megaphone.

There have been multiple rallies with anti-Zionist rhetoric, as well as antisemitic graffiti found on campus. In November 2023, posters of Israeli hostages were torn down.

In August 2024, an individual sent threatening antisemitic messages to multiple Jewish Tulane University students. One of the messages read "The Zionist is reaking [sic] from your stench and I can smell the blood from your hands" and "Wicked Zionist b****."

In October 2024, during an anti-Israel study-in demonstration, protesters displayed signs with messages that included “Imagine being a proud Nazi, I mean Zionist.”

That same month, at an anti-Israel rally that involved students from both Loyola University and Tulane due to the proximity of the two campuses, protesters celebrated the October 7 attack on Israel and displayed signs from Freedom Road Socialist Organization with messages that included: “Victory to the Palestinian Resistance.”

University Policies and Responsive Action

Since October 7, 2023, Tulane has increased security both on and off-campus and increased resources and support for students, faculty and staff experiencing antisemitism or other forms of harassment. President Michael Fitts has released several statements condemning antisemitism on campus and providing the community with security updates and resources.

Tulane uses the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism in equity, diversity and inclusion trainings and is launching an Antisemitism Awareness Week to further expand antisemitism training. Tulane also has online modules and discrimination and harassment trainings available for students which address antisemitism and other forms of hate.

The President’s Commission was established in 2015 and worked to create a more equitable and inclusive Tulane community. This work includes countering campus antisemitism.

In April 2024, the New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana State Police dismantled an anti-Israel encampment on campus. Police arrested 14 protesters, including 2 students, and suspended seven Tulane students for participating in the encampment on university property. “We fully support the freedom of speech and assembly,” Tulane’s statement said. “These rights must be exercised, however, in a manner that does not disrupt our academic mission, compromise the safety or the free speech of others, or hinder support systems for our students."

The University has formally collaborated with Tulane Hillel on several initiatives including an antisemitism working group and interfaith dialogue efforts. In Spring 2024, the University organized focus groups to help inform the work of the antisemitism working group.

Mandatory antisemitism education is required for all incoming students, and a mandatory staff training on Title VI protections related to addressing and preventing antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus is launching in March 2025.

*Following the implementation of new policy actions, Tulane University’s 2025 grade was revised from a C to a B on April 4, 2025. 

Commendations

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