UW Task Force Report: Antisemitism Allowed to Flourish on Campus
The University of Washington’s Antisemitism Task Force findings reveal a crisis of safety and inclusivity for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Both statistical data and firsthand testimonies paint a grim picture of systemic failures by the university. View the full Climate Assessment and Reports from the Antisemitism and Islamophobia Task Forces for detailed findings and recommendations on fostering a safer, inclusive UW campus.
Alarming Findings
Identity Suppression: 95% Israeli students reported feeling the need to hide their identity on campus.
Antisemitic Harassment: Students described being called slurs like “k*ke,” hearing chants of “kill all Jews,” and being told “Jewish women can’t be raped”.
Leadership Failures: Despite the rise in hate, UW leadership failed to enforce policies on conduct, allowing antisemitic activity to persist without consequence.
Systemic Antisemitism Across Campus
The report highlights antisemitism in multiple areas, including:
Classrooms: Jewish students were singled out for their identity and targeted with hateful rhetoric.
Housing: Swastikas and graffiti were reported in dorms.
Hostile Conduct: Targeted physical or verbal attacks against Jewish students for wearing Jewish symbols or being identified as Jews.
Normalization of Hate: UW allowed encampments to dominate public spaces, where antisemitic slogans were commonplace.
Guilt by Association: 41% of Jewish student reported being blamed for the actions of the Israeli government at least once.
Student comments to convey the gravity of the situation: “I have been told, ‘I’m happy your friend got killed’ and ‘Go die… Zionist pig.’”
Leadership’s Role in the Crisis
The report directly ties the normalization of antisemitism to university policies and leadership decisions. Rules regulating protests, camping, and noise were not enforced. Instead of protecting Jewish students, the administration enabled an environment where hate was rewarded with concessions.
Call to Action
The UW Jewish Alumni Association demands immediate action. We call on University President Ana Mari Cauce and the Board of Regents to implement the Antisemitism Task Force Recommendations in their entirety and without delay.
The university must take responsibility and rebuild a campus culture that promotes education and research through norms rooted in civility and respect.
