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New York, NY, March 24, 2025 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today issued the following statement in response Columbia University’s announcement that it will be taking significant action to curb antisemitism on its campus:
“We welcome Columbia University’s announcement that it is taking significant action to curb antisemitism on its campus. Over the past 18 months, Columbia inadequately addressed the crisis of antisemitism on its campus following the 10/7 terror attacks on Israel. In both 2024 and 2025, the university received a “D” grade on ADL’s Campus Antisemitism Report Card, indicating severe levels of antisemitic conduct, including harassment, defacement, building occupation, class disruption, threats, intimidation and law breaking on campus and an alarming campus climate and a culture of impunity.
“These antisemitic actions, breaches of conduct codes and law, went insufficiently addressed for almost a year and half, all well outside any bounds of free speech. For more than 500 days, ADL has advocated for many of the changes that Columbia announced this past Friday, including, but not limited to:
- Rigorous and consistent enforcement of disciplinary rules, non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies;
- Updated security protocols and enforcement of time, place, and manner restrictions pertaining to protests and demonstrations;
- A policy that restricts masked harassment and intimidation and prohibits the use of face coverings for the purpose of concealing one’s identity;
- Oversight of student groups who are violating campus policies.
“The effectiveness of these changes will depend entirely on their implementation and enforcement. Columbia must be held accountable for putting these commitments into action. Such practices must protect free speech and academic freedom but not extend to rule breaking actions.
“It’s imperative that any new policies respect the civil rights of all students. This must start with the Jewish students whose civil rights have diminished dramatically since Oct. 7.
“We urge all schools to work proactively to take an aggressive and comprehensive approach and pursue much-needed, long overdue measures to address anti-Jewish hate on campus. Protecting the civil rights of Jewish students and all students must be paramount.”
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.