Governor orders review of college antisemitism responses, policies

Gov. Mike Braun is ordering a review of state universities’ policies and responses to antisemitism. 

Braun directed the Commission for Higher Education to lead the review, according to an executive order signed Friday. He said in a press release that since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, universities have been the epicenter of antisemitic incidents.  

“Jewish Hoosiers should know the state of Indiana condemns antisemitism and stands with them,” Braun said. 

The executive order comes after the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights warned of “potential enforcement actions” against Indiana University Bloomington and 59 other schools if they don’t “protect Jewish students on campus.” 

College students across the country joined in a movement to support Palestine by camping out on campuses and protesting. The protesters called on university leaders to disclose and cut ties with programs, relationships and companies related to Israel.

Leslie Lenkowsky, an IU emeritus professor and member of the Alliance for Israel, said IU has made positive changes recently. He said he expects IU’s administration will continue to improve the campus climate for Jewish students, especially amid the education department’s investigation.  

“Will they be enough?” Lenkowsky said. “Well, we don’t know until we see what standards the Department of Education will use.” 

According to a January report by the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel International and College Pulse, 83 percent of Jewish college students said that after Oct. 7, 2023, they experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism. The majority said they weren’t confident in the ability of university administrations to prevent antisemitism. 

It’s unclear how many specific antisemitic incidents have been reported to school administrations, the state, and the federal government.

On March 7, President Donald Trump’s Administration cancelled about $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University because of “persistent harassment of Jewish students.” The administration warned it was “the first round of action.” 

Braun’s executive order didn’t mention cutting funding for colleges, but a report will be due this fall. 

Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X @aubreymwright.