ADL’s 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card: Thirteen Universities Receive Failing Grades
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released its 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card, assigning grades to 135 universities across the United States based on their efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. The report, designed to assess the current state of antisemitism in higher education and how institutions are addressing it, has sparked controversy and debate. Thirteen universities received failing grades, highlighting concerns about the safety and inclusivity of Jewish students on these campuses.
Grading Methodology
The ADL’s report card grades institutions from A to F based on 30 different criteria, categorized into three main areas:
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Administrative Policies: This category evaluates the university’s policies and procedures related to addressing antisemitism, including the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, the establishment of clear reporting mechanisms for incidents of antisemitism, and the implementation of disciplinary measures for those found responsible for antisemitic acts.
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Jewish Life on Campus: This category assesses the level of support for Jewish life on campus, including the availability of kosher food options, the presence of a Hillel or Chabad center, and the accommodation of Jewish religious holidays.
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Campus Conduct and Climate Concerns: This category examines the overall campus climate for Jewish students, taking into account factors such as the prevalence of antisemitic incidents, the presence of anti-Israel activism that crosses the line into antisemitism, and the responsiveness of university officials to concerns raised by Jewish students.
Universities Receiving Failing Grades
The thirteen universities that received failing grades in the ADL’s report card are:
- California Polytechnic State University
- DePaul University
- Evergreen State College
- Haverford College
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Pitzer College
- Pomona College
- Portland State University
- Scripps College
- The New School
- University of California Santa Barbara
- University of Illinois Chicago
- University of Minnesota
These failing grades reflect concerns about a range of issues, including a lack of clear policies against antisemitism, inadequate support for Jewish life on campus, and a hostile climate for Jewish students.
Specific Incidents Contributing to Failing Grades
The ADL report cited several specific incidents that contributed to the failing grades received by these universities.
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DePaul University: In November, two Jewish students were assaulted by masked attackers on campus. The university acknowledged the report and condemned antisemitism, stating its willingness to work with the ADL for improvement.
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Portland State University: In May, the university temporarily closed its campus after anti-Israel protesters occupied its library, leaving behind graffiti and destruction.
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The New School: An encampment was set up that displayed protest messages including "Zionist donors and trustees, hands off our universities" and "The future is anti-Zionist."
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University of California, Santa Barbara: Students reported multiple faculty members expressing anti-Israel bias during class.
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University of Minnesota: Students held an anti-Israel protest outside of Hillel on October 7, 2024.
These incidents, along with other concerns about the campus climate for Jewish students, contributed to the failing grades received by these universities.
Responses from Universities
DePaul University expressed disappointment with the ADL’s assessment, stating that it condemns antisemitism in all its forms and is open to meeting with the ADL to discuss ways to improve the experience of Jewish students on campus. Haverford College expressed a similar sentiment, welcoming constructive critique and affirming its commitment to providing an educational environment where all students can thrive. The other universities mentioned in the report did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Universities Receiving High Grades
While thirteen universities received failing grades, eight universities received an A in the report card, including Florida International University, the University of Alabama, the University of Miami, and Vanderbilt University. These universities were recognized for their strong policies against antisemitism, their robust support for Jewish life on campus, and their commitment to creating an inclusive environment for Jewish students.
Overall Progress and Remaining Challenges
The ADL’s report card also noted that there has been some progress in addressing campus antisemitism in recent years. According to the ADL, 36 percent of schools received an A or B in its 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card, up from 23.5 percent in 2024. The organization credited this progress to policy changes enacted by universities in response to rising campus antisemitism.
However, the ADL emphasized that there is still much work to be done. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated that every campus should get an ‘A’ and that Jewish students still do not feel safe or included on too many campuses.
Recommendations for Improvement
The ADL made several recommendations for universities to improve their efforts to combat antisemitism and create a more inclusive environment for Jewish students. These recommendations include:
- Adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
- Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for incidents of antisemitism.
- Implementing disciplinary measures for those found responsible for antisemitic acts.
- Providing adequate support for Jewish life on campus.
- Mandating antisemitism education for students and faculty.
- Strengthening and consistently enforcing policies related to campus demonstrations.
By implementing these recommendations, universities can take meaningful steps to address campus antisemitism and ensure that Jewish students feel safe, respected, and included on campus.
Conclusion
The ADL’s 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card highlights the ongoing challenges of combating antisemitism in higher education. While some universities have made progress in addressing this issue, many others are falling short. The failing grades received by thirteen universities serve as a stark reminder of the need for continued action to ensure that Jewish students feel safe and included on all college campuses. The ADL’s recommendations provide a roadmap for universities to improve their efforts and create a more welcoming environment for Jewish students.
