Yakym Presses Over 100 College & University DEI Departments on Their Response to Anti-Semitic Incidents on Campus

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) sent a letter to the top diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officers at 110 colleges and universities where there have been recorded incidents of antisemitism on their campus in recent weeks. In the letter, Congressman Yakym presses the officials on the actions they are taking to ensure Jewish students and faculty feel safe and accepted on campus in the wake of demonstrations celebrating Hamas’ deadly terrorist attacks.

“A global convulsion of antisemitism has followed closely in the wake of this massacre, and, sadly, America’s university campuses have not been immune. Israeli and Jewish students and faculty across the country have expressed concern at the current climate on campuses. There are too many examples of threats or acts of physical violence, verbal harassment, intimidation, graffiti, stalking, and other menacing actions directed at Israeli and Jewish students and faculty. Some have even been forced to barricade themselves in rooms for safety,” Rep. Yakym wrote.

“As the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at your University, you appear to be the individual principally responsible for advancing the ideal of inclusion, ensuring that all students and faculty, regardless of nationality or faith, feel accepted in the campus environment and student body. However, at least one or more incidents on your campus in recent weeks raise questions about the climate of inclusion fostered by your office for Israeli and Jewish students and faculty,” Rep. Yakym continued. 

Congressman Yakym concluded the letter by requesting a written reply to a series of questions, including: 

• Does your office maintain an official, written definition of antisemitism?
• Please describe specific actions taken by your office to educate and raise awareness about antisemitism since October 7, 2023.
• Please describe the resources your office is providing to Israeli and Jewish students and faculty to ensure they feel included and safe in the campus environment and student body.

A copy of the full letter that was sent to Harvard University can be found HERE, and a full list of the college and universities the letter was sent to can be accessed HERE.