Several Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel International, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Orthodox Union, decided to skip a meeting on campus antisemitism with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona after more progressive groups were invited to participate. The meeting proceeded with a smaller group, where the need to increase funding for the department’s civil rights office, which investigates reports of antisemitic discrimination on college campuses, was discussed.
Kevin Rachlin, director of the Nexus Leadership Project, expressed disappointment at the boycott, emphasizing the importance of practical measures in fighting antisemitism. The Education Department scheduled a new meeting for the groups that did not participate in the initial roundtable.
The boycott was hastily organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, leading to some confusion among invitees. The department currently has numerous open investigations into complaints of antisemitism on college campuses, but underfunding has resulted in delays in resolving cases.
The meeting comes amidst pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses and student-led calls for universities to divest from Israel. Some groups that boycotted the meeting have supported the clearing of encampments, while others believe the Education Department is taking a better approach to combating campus antisemitism.
The incident highlights the complex dynamics within the American Jewish community regarding how to address antisemitism and support Israel on college campuses. The Education Department’s efforts to address these issues are crucial in ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.