University of Kansas (KU) has a Hillel, Chabad and Jewish Greek life on campus.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In August 2023, a swastika was found graffitied on a campus sidewalk. In November 2023, an Israeli flag was cut down and vandalized near the AEPi house.

In February 2024, anti-Israel protesters disrupted a presentation by October 7 Hamas massacre survivor Gal Cohen-Solal, leading to police removing the protesters from the premises.

In May 2024, the campus SJP chapter established a protest encampment in front of Fraser Hall, which was perceived by some Jewish campus community members as antisemitic. In October 2024, three "Free Palestine" posters were placed on the Hillel building at the University of Kansas over the course of three days.

Additional anti-Israel protests occurred in November 2024, with walkouts that used antisemitic and anti-Zionist chants.

University Policies and Responsive Action

In 2022, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging (DEIB) office utilized money from its budget to support the relocation of the Jewish Studies Program to a more secure location on campus. Since then, members of the campus community have lauded the DEIB office’s attention to detail when it comes to Jewish students’ needs.

In October 2023, the university held an educational session titled "Antisemitism: Past and Present" to foster awareness and understanding of historical and contemporary antisemitism. Following the vandalism near the AEPi house in November 2023, the administration condemned the act and emphasized the importance of a respectful campus climate.

The university has also created an advisory group comprising faculty, students, and staff to examine discrimination and intolerance cases and recommend actions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. In addition, the university works closely with the advisory boards of the campus Hillel and Chabad.

The university maintains active relationships with KU Hillel, KU Chabad, the local Jewish Community Relations Bureau, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and numerous other Jewish organizations, and has consistently communicated with campus Jewish organizations to address and prevent incidents on campus.