The University of Minnesota is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all members of our community. Antisemitism has no place at the University of Minnesota—full stop. We firmly reject all forms of hatred directed toward Jewish students, faculty, and staff, recognizing that antisemitism not only threatens the well-being of our Jewish community but also undermines the values of inclusivity and academic freedom that define our institution.

As part of our broader commitment to equity and inclusion, we actively work to combat all forms of discrimination — including antisemitism, racism, and other forms of hatred — through education, accountability, and engagement. Our goal is to foster a climate where all students feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.

The University is actively working to raise awareness, respond to incidents swiftly, and create a campus climate where all Jewish community members, regardless of their political orientation, feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. Our work includes clear policies, robust reporting structures, proactive education, and meaningful engagement with Jewish organizations on campus and in the broader community.

Explicit Prohibitions Against Antisemitism

The University's Student Conduct Code and Discrimination Policy explicitly prohibit discrimination based on religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics—legal protections that include prohibitions on antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Please see the Guiding Principles of the Student Conduct Code. 

These policies are enforced through investigations by the Office for Community Standards and the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office. Adjudicators receive annual training on identifying antisemitic behavior under Title VI.

Robust Reporting Mechanisms

Individuals who experience or witness Antisemetic and/or Islamophobic conduct are encouraged to report through the following reporting resources.  Supervisors and human resources professionals who learn about antisemitic conduct in the course of performing their respective supervisory or human resources employment duties must report this conduct to their campus Equal Opportunity Office.  

• Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN): The BRRN receives reports of bias incidents on the Twin Cities campus. It responds to all reporters with written information about supportive resources and refers reports to the appropriate office that can effectively respond through investigation, educational coaching, supportive measures, or other response strategies. Systemwide incident reporting information can be found here.
• Campus Equal Opportunity offices:  Campus Equal Opportunity offices respond to discrimination reports through informal problem-solving and formal investigation processes. 
• Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOT):  EOT is the systemwide non-discrimination office and the reporting resource for anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment committed by employees or third parties on the Twin Cities campus.
• 24/7 Anonymous Reporting: The UReport system allows individuals to report incidents to the BRRN anonymously, ensuring no barriers to disclosure.

Current Mandatory Antisemitism Education Components

All new undergraduate students at the Twin Cities campus complete an online education module titled Brave and Bold Dialogues. This interactive program features activities and scenarios designed to foster a positive campus climate and equip students with skills for communicating across differences. The module includes content on antisemitism and Islamophobia and provides practical resources and reporting information through the Bias Response and Referral Network and other support services.

Most first-year experience courses include follow-up discussions that build on the module’s content, encouraging students to reflect on campus culture, inclusion, and building skills for courageous conversations. 

For faculty and staff, the University is developing mandatory discrimination prevention training that covers religious discrimination, including antisemitism. In addition, Equal Opportunity & Title IX staff and other designated employees participate in specialized professional development on antisemitism and legal protections under Title VI. Recent sessions include:

• “Campuses at the Forefront: Responding to Antisemitism and Islamophobia” (National Association of College and University Attorneys, August 2024)
• “Navigating Campus Activism: Legal Insights for University Protests” (September 2024)
• “University Obligations to Jewish Students: Mitigating Legal Risk and Liability” (Hillel International, March 2025)

Educational efforts are also supported through a curated set of antisemitism resources, including works by Deborah Lipstadt, lesson plans from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and video-based instruction from the University of California, Berkeley Antisemitism Education Initiative—all publicly linked via the Gopher Equity Project’s “Dive Deeper” section.

These trainings are reviewed regularly and updated in response to legal guidance, community feedback, and national best practices. They reflect the University’s commitment to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty understand both the manifestations of antisemitism and the values of mutual respect and inclusion.

Academic Leadership

The University's Jewish Studies Program offers one of the most comprehensive curricula in the Midwest, featuring over 30 courses spanning Jewish history, Holocaust and genocide studies, literature, ethics, culture, and Israeli society. These courses are designed to foster deep academic engagement with the diversity of Jewish experience, from ancient traditions to modern political life. In addition to classroom learning, students have access to robust study abroad programs—including partnerships with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and other international institutions—many of which provide immersive experiences in Jewish culture and global history.

Campus Organizations and Resources

• Minnesota Hillel and Chabad at the University of Minnesota provide religious services, cultural programming, and kosher meals.
• Student Groups: Organizations such as Tzedek (Jewish social justice organization) and Students Supporting Israel (SSI) offer avenues for engagement and advocacy.
• Greek Life: Jewish fraternities like Alpha Epsilon Pi and Sigma Alpha Mu and sororities such as Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi provide community and support.

Accommodations and Accessibility

• Kosher Dining: Kosher meal options are available on campus, including through University Dining Services and with local organizations such as Minnesota Hillel and Chabad. Students with religious practices and/or dietary needs are encouraged to connect with these partners directly to learn more about available options that align with their practices.
• Religious Observance Policies: The University provides accommodations for students observing Jewish holidays, including excused absences and scheduling flexibility, as outlined in University policy. Special accommodations have also been made when major holidays coincide with the start of the academic year or other high-impact dates. Learn more about Religious Observance Accommodations.

Mental Health and Community Support

• Jewish Affinity Group: Launched in Spring 2024 in collaboration with Student Counseling Services, this group provides a supportive space for Jewish students. This affinity space, which is open to students regardless of identity, was one of the first of its kind on campus. It reflects the University’s commitment to responsive support and intentional community-building for Jewish students, and serves as a model for future identity-based mental health initiatives.
• Hillel Partnerships: Regular meetings between University leaders and Jewish student groups ensure concerns are heard, addressed, and met with action. Minnesota Hillel also plays a central role in climate improvement efforts, including co-leading the University's participation in the Campus Climate Initiative (CCI), advising on training content, and providing space for student dialogue and leadership development.

The University of Minnesota recognizes that combating antisemitism requires sustained commitment, evaluation, and growth. We are actively building on our current efforts with forward-looking initiatives designed to ensure accountability, deepen understanding, and strengthen the sense of belonging among Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

• 2026 Campus Climate Survey: For the first time, the University will include standalone antisemitism metrics in its systemwide campus climate assessment, developed in collaboration with Hillel International and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center (NORC). These data will inform policy decisions, guide future training, and ensure institutional transparency around Jewish student experiences.
• Faculty Training Expansion: By 2026, all instructors will complete a mandatory module on antisemitism as part of the University’s inclusive teaching and prevention training series. The curriculum will be grounded in federal civil rights guidance and include strategies for fostering respectful, trauma-informed learning environments.
• Jewish Alumni Network: In collaboration with Minnesota Hillel, the University is launching a dedicated Jewish Alumni Network to strengthen community connections, mentorship opportunities, and long-term support for Jewish students and recent graduates. The initiative will also provide feedback channels to help shape Jewish life on campus.