Michigan. Anti-Israel demonstrators at the University of Michigan confronted Regent Sarah Hubbard over the weekend, shouting at her as she was shielded by a police officer. A video of the confrontation, posted online, was captioned “No Peace for War Criminals.” This comes after the December vandalism of fellow Regent Jordan Acker’s home, where protesters broke windows and spray-painted “free Palestine” and a pro-Hamas symbol. The day after the Hubbard incident, an anti-Israel coalition held a symbolic trial to criticize the Board and University President Santa Ono for refusing to divest, among other grievances. Several of the candidates running for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan — Democrats and Republicans — quickly spoke out against the protesters who yelled at Hubbard.

Hubbard is supported by a police officer. (Source: TahrirUMich | Instagram)

DEEPER: A report by ADL affiliate JLens estimates that universities could lose billions in future returns on their endowments if they capitulate to BDS initiatives.

~~~~~

Yale. Protesters briefly reestablished an anti-Israel encampment at Yale University’s Beinecke Plaza to oppose a planned campus visit by far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Around 200 people erected tents and chanted against university ties to Israel, also criticizing the Trump administration’s visa revocations of pro-Palestinian students. The demonstration, which occurred during Yale’s admitted students weekend, was disbanded by 11 p.m. following university warnings of possible disciplinary action. Protesters accused the school of suppressing speech, while university officials reiterated support for peaceful protest within policy limits. Yale also revoked the official status of Yalies4Palestine for "flagrant" violations of university policy — just one day after meeting with administrators. “Yale condemns antisemitism and will hold those who violate our policies accountable,” the school stated.

DEEPER: As the Senate prepares to take up the Antisemitism Awareness Act next Wednesday, ADL is urging supporters to contact their senators and demand its swift passage. The bill is laser-focused on the rise of antisemitism in higher education and aims to ensure that Jewish students are afforded the same protections as their peers. With campuses becoming hotbeds of hostility and harassment, this legislation is a crucial step toward accountability and safety. Take action now.

~~~~~

Brown. Brown University will no longer be attached to the Choices Program, a high school history curriculum previously housed at the university. The move follows increased scrutiny over the program’s portrayal of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with critics linking it to a nonprofit tied to the Qatari royal family. While some critics labeled the material as antisemitic, the university firmly denied those allegations, citing financial constraints as the reason for ending the partnership. The university reaffirmed its commitment to critical thinking and the inclusion of diverse viewpoints. The separation also comes amid heightened tensions between Brown and the Trump administration, which had at one point threatened to withhold $510 million in federal funding. The university has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its response to anti-Israel demonstrations and its stance on academic freedom, as broader concerns about antisemitism continue to rise.

~~~~~

NIH. The National Institutes of Health will now block research grants to universities with DEI programs or boycotts of Israeli companies, per a new policy effective April 21. The move, aligned with the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on campus antisemitism and ideological programming, could heavily impact schools like Harvard, which received nearly $500M from NIH this year. Harvard President Alan Garber warned of “stark real-life consequences” as federal funding freezes continue. Critics say the policy jeopardizes academic freedom and vital medical research, with lawsuits already filed. S&P Global warned that schools reliant on federal grants may face financial strain, potentially forcing layoffs or reduced research. The Association of American Medical Colleges called for continued support, stressing the impact on national scientific progress.

~~~~~

Cornell. Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has canceled Kehlani's scheduled performance at the annual Slope Day event after students and parents raised concerns about the artist's anti-Israel views and social media activity, which some Jewish students felt were antisemitic and made them feel unsafe. Despite initially stating it was too late to find a replacement, the university is now exploring options for an alternative performer or event, while also considering increased safety measures and the possibility of funding an alternative gathering for students who feel uncomfortable attending Slope Day.

~~~~~

Penn State. Taking to the Pattee Mall greenspace this week at Penn State University, anti-Israel protesters displayed signs, tents and even a mock torpedo to criticize Israel’s response to the 10/7 Hamas terrorist attacks and to call for divestment. Nearby, Hillel carried on with its “Israel Week” event, with a table showcasing the stories of survivors of 10/7. This anti-Israel demonstration comes just weeks after the local SJP chapter took part in a ‘week of rage’ that included criticism of Zionists at the school as well as against the Israeli government.

Hillel’s pro-Israel table. (Source: Zoey Garrett | Onward State)

Advocacy in Action. On April 30, ADL is teaming up with the Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance for a timely online event on campus antisemitism. Join us at 12:30 ET/9:30 PT for this conversation featuring ADL VP of Advocacy Shira Goodman and HJAA Founding Treasurer Clarence Schwab, exploring the ongoing challenges and how alumni and institutions can respond. Register here.

~~~~~

Smart Moves Against Hate. A recent op-ed in eJewishPhilanthropy highlights the critical need to professionalize the field of antisemitism expertise in response to the surge in Jew-hatred. The piece emphasizes that effectively combating antisemitism demands interdisciplinary knowledge, yet there's a shortage of rigorously trained professionals. To address this gap, Gratz College has launched pioneering master's and doctoral programs in antisemitism studies. This initiative aims to cultivate evidence-based understanding and effective interventions, moving beyond reactive measures and untrained voices to foster a more informed and strategic approach to tackling antisemitism. ADL Center for Antisemitism Research fellow Ayal Feinberg helped spearhead this initiative and over the summer, ADL Philadelphia Regional Director Andrew Goretsky will be teaching a course.

~~~~~

Never Forget. This April, a group of university presidents from the United States and Europe will take part in the 2025 University Presidents’ Mission to Poland — an immersive Holocaust education experience organized alongside the March of the Living. Scheduled for April 22–27, the program includes visits to significant historical sites such as Auschwitz-Birkenau and the former Warsaw Ghetto, along with educational seminars, survivor testimonies, and participation in Yom HaShoah ceremonies. The mission aims to equip academic leaders with tools to address rising antisemitism on campuses by grounding them in Holocaust history and fostering moral leadership. Led by Dr. David Machlis, the initiative includes leaders from a diverse range of institutions and honors the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi camps, with nearly 80 Holocaust survivors participating in this year's March.

DEEPER: Click here to watch a video of college students from the UK in Warsaw as part of their March of the Living experience.

Classroom of the Future. Israel will become the first country to provide AI-driven tutoring nationwide, thanks to a new partnership between eSelf and Israel’s Center for Educational Technology (CET). The program gives every K–12 student access to a personalized AI avatar tutor that adapts to their academic needs. “We’re partnering with eSelf to provide a personal AI tutor to every student in Israel,” said CET’s Tzachi Langer. Harvard University is advising the pilot, which begins with Hebrew instruction and will expand from there. The avatars can explain concepts, answer questions and evolve alongside the student’s learning journey. “This is precisely how AI should be integrated into education,” said Harvard’s Victor Pereira, praising the initiative’s potential to close socioeconomic gaps and expand educational equity.

~~~~~

Bridging the Gap. Kibbutz Ruhama in southern Israel and Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) in Los Angeles are forging a meaningful connection that goes far beyond a typical Israel-Diaspora partnership. What started as a donation from VBS to help fund a skate park and renovate community spaces has grown into something so much deeper. With support from the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the relationship now includes student exchanges, joint holiday celebrations, and efforts to connect people of all ages. That spirit of connection was also on display at a recent VBS event featuring ADL’s Jeffrey Abrams and Rabbi Ed Feinstein, who led a conversation on the fight against antisemitism and the vital role of civic leadership in standing up to hate.

Chai-er Ed^TM, ADL’s campus podcast, hosted by activist and former student leader Luda Isakharov, uncovers the realities of Jewish life on campus — the challenges, the victories and the unshakable resilience of Jewish students confronting hate head-on.

🎧 Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation.

~~~~~

Mazel Talk: Jewish Community – Harrison Romero, University of Pittsburgh

Discovering a robust Jewish community on campus was something Harrison wasn’t expecting, but something he embraced. Finding community, building relationships, and taking on leadership roles is what kept him and his friends empowered and supported during dark times on campus.

• Campus Community Advocacy Resources — From social media shares to letter writing campaigns, ADL has clear steps for you to take action and effect change on college campuses.
• K-12 Advocacy Resources — Tools and knowledge to foster and advocate for a safe, inclusive and equitable school environment for all.
• University Faculty and Staff — Support for impacted faculty and staff, guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• University Administration — Guidance & Best Practices for making campuses safer and more inclusive.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — See the grades of 135 universities, the current state of antisemitism on campus and how colleges and universities are responding.
• Chai-er Ed Podcast — ADL’s campus podcast, brings you firsthand stories from Jewish students navigating today’s college campuses.
• General Campus Resources — ADL Backgrounders, Educational Programming, Research and Analysis and more.
• Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) — College or university students, professors, or employees who want to report campus incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence that may necessitate legal action can report to CALL for legal support.
• K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line — Parents and other interested adults in California, Massachusetts and New York can report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence occurring in K-12 schools to the K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.

Do you have something to share with us? Please email us at [email protected] with any suggestions, questions, photos or videos.