The recent surge in antisemitic incidents on American college campuses, culminating in the horrifying October 7th massacre, has exposed a deeply troubling trend. This isn’t merely isolated hate speech; it’s a systemic problem rooted in a toxic combination of postmodern ideology, anti-Israel sentiment, and a failure of institutional leadership. The supposed bastions of progressive thought and intellectualism are, ironically, breeding grounds for this “oldest hatred,” with calls for the annihilation of Israel echoing across campuses even before the IDF’s actions in Gaza. As Bill Ackman poignantly observed following Harvard President Claudine Gay’s resignation, antisemitism serves as a “canary in the coal mine,” foreshadowing broader societal ills, from cancel culture and ideological indoctrination to intellectual corruption and moral decay.
The core issue lies in the insidious spread of postmodern thought, which posits that truth is subjective, filtered through the lenses of race, gender, and other identity categories. This framework inherently undermines the principles of free speech, due process, and equality under the law, leading to a dangerous environment where rights and freedoms are contingent upon group affiliation. The equally dangerous narrative of decolonization is frequently weaponized to justify anti-Israel rhetoric and actions. This isn’t simply about free speech debates; it’s about systemic attacks targeting Jewish students and faculty.
Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of Berkeley Law, echoed this sentiment, stating that he had never witnessed such widespread antisemitism in his 70 years. While some, like myself, saw this wave of antisemitism coming, given the pervasive anti-Israel, anti-American, and anti-Western sentiments that have taken root in higher education, the scale of the problem remains shocking. However, all is not lost. The incoming Trump administration has several powerful tools at its disposal to combat this crisis.
Concrete Actions for the Trump Administration:
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Strengthening Executive Order 13899 and the Antisemitism Awareness Act:
The existing executive order on antisemitism should be expanded and codified through the Antisemitism Awareness Act, ensuring robust enforcement of protections for Jewish individuals in all federally funded programs, including educational institutions. This requires active engagement from the new administration and overcoming past legislative hurdles.*
Enforcing Existing Laws:
The Justice Department possesses extensive powers to tackle domestic terrorism, which should be unequivocally applied to those actively engaged in antisemitic violence and intimidation. The FBI can investigate organizations acting as fronts for terrorist groups in conjunction with state attorneys general. RICO statutes and the Antiterrorism Act provide further legal frameworks for pursuing those who support America’s enemies and foment violence. It is time to investigate and prosecute those engaging in these acts, not just focus on political grandstanding against other groups.*
Revoking Tax-Exempt Status for Antisemitic Nonprofits:
Many organizations masquerading as advocacy or educational groups funnel resources into antisemitic activities. The IRS should thoroughly investigate these groups, increasing transparency and revoking tax exemptions for those engaging in discriminatory conduct. This crucial step addresses the financial underpinnings of the problem.*
Revoking Visas for Individuals Engaged in Antisemitic Agitation:
The State Department holds the authority to revoke the visas of foreign nationals involved in supporting terrorism or violating federal laws. This power should be actively used against foreign agitators who promote antisemitism on campuses, as universities often fail to take necessary action themselves due to fears of legal repercussions. This is not about suppressing legitimate protest; it’s about deterring those engaging in violence and hate speech.*
Denying Funding to Universities that Allow Civil Rights Violations:
Universities that fail to protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination are liable under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Department of Education should actively withhold federal funds from institutions that consistently violate equal educational opportunities, incentivizing them to take swift and decisive action.*
Rescinding Biden’s Executive Orders on Whole-of-Government DEI:
President Biden’s executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have inadvertently exacerbated the problem, often leading to the proliferation of antisemitic sentiments within DEI programs. The new Trump administration must dismantle these initiatives and replace them with policies that promote true equality and free speech without the politicization of diversity.Beyond these executive actions, further legislative steps, such as a national right-to-work act and anti-masking laws, could be beneficial. However, the Trump administration has ample tools at its disposal to immediately address the crisis without waiting for congressional action. The time for decisive action is now; the future of higher education and the well-being of Jewish students depend on it.
