JCRC welcomes U.S. Department of Education antisemitism investigation at the University of Minnesota, appreciates the University’s pledge to fully cooperate

While JCRC appreciates the steps taken by President Rebecca Cunningham, significant work remains to restore confidence among Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Photo: “VICTORY TO AL-AQSA FLOOD” is written in chalk on the U of M campus quad during the Spring 2024 semester.(“Al Aqsa Flood is Hamas’ codename for the Oct. 7 massacre). The inverted red triangle symbolizes support for violent Palestinian resistance. (Ethan Roberts/JCRC).

Feb. 4, 2025

Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) released the following statement:

JCRC welcomes the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to investigate antisemitism at the University of Minnesota and appreciates the University’s pledge to fully cooperate.

While JCRC appreciates the steps that President Rebecca Cunningham has taken to enforce existing University policies and the University’s participation in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative, significant work remains to restore confidence among Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

From last spring’s illegal encampments to the violent takeover of Morrill Hall, the University has witnessed a surge of pro-Hamas demonstrations, featuring slogans glorifying the October 7 massacre and Hamas terrorists, alongside calls for the destruction of America and Israel. 

Jewish members of the U of M community have faced unacceptable antisemitism at graduation ceremonies, in classrooms, and from faculty statements.

Notoriously, just days after the October 7 massacre, the tenured core faculty of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies released a statement denying the atrocities, claiming  “global media coverage reproduces Islamophobic tropes of terrorism and unsubstantiated claims of ‘uncivilized’ violence.” Unacceptably, this statement dismissing October 7’s horrors remains on an official University of Minnesota website.

Antisemitism at the University of Minnesota reflects a broader national crisis. According to a survey by ADL and Hillel International, 83% of Jewish American college students have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since October 7, 2023. The survey also found:

  • 66% of Jewish students and 60% of non-Jewish students lack confidence in their university’s ability to prevent antisemitic incidents;
  • 41% of Jewish students felt the need to hide their Jewish identity on campus; and
  • 13% withdrew from campus or social activities due to fears of harassment or attack.

As the consensus public affairs voice for Minnesota’s Jewish community, we look forward to continuing to partner with Minnesota Hillel, Chabad, as well as the Jewish Federations of Minneapolis and St. Paul to ensure that the U of M is a welcoming place for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

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As the consensus public affairs voice of the Jewish community, JCRC builds relationships to fight antisemitism and bigotry; educates about Judaism, Israel, antisemitism, and the Holocaust; advocates for Jewish values and priorities; and safeguards our community.