Kalamazoo College has a Hillel and a Chabad.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In March 2023, the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at Kalamazoo College released an open letter criticizing Hillel's desire to display the Israeli flag during Afro Desi Sol (AFDS), a celebration event highlighting cultural organizations. Later in November 2023, local authorities identified a suspect in the vandalism of the Chabad House of Kalamazoo, where a swastika had been painted.

In April 2024, student activists organized an encampment calling for the college to divest from Israel. Following these events, in May 2024, several dozen students gathered on campus advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanding institutional divestment from entities associated with Israel, along with the cancellation of a study abroad program in Israel.

In August 2024, an individual commented: "Posting a z!ionist is not very demure pookie [sic]" on an Instagram post featuring a Jewish student leader posted by Kalamazoo College. That same month, Patriot Front, a white supremacist group, posted stickers at Kalamazoo College that read:" No Zionists in government, we serve one nation," "American spirit, European blood," "Life, liberty, victory" and "Reclaim America.”

University Policies and Responsive Action

At Kalamazoo College, incoming students have access to a variety of orientation trainings, including DEI trainings that directly address antisemitism. Antisemitism is also addressed during Peer Leader training for sophomore, junior and senior students who mentor the first years.

The college has also updated the academic calendar to avoid starting fall orientation or the first day of classes on a significant Jewish holiday. Over the last few years, the college and Hillel have organized at least one Community Reflection service addressing antisemitism.

In response to the Israel-Hamas war, structured conversations were organized by the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Additionally, Interfaith Student Leaders were trained on how to engage in difficult conversations with the conflict in mind.