University faculty behind much antisemitism aimed at Jewish colleagues, survey finds

Faculty and staff are key drivers of antisemitism faced by Jewish professors at US colleges and universities, according to a new survey by the Anti-Defamation League and the Academic Engagement Network.

The report, based on responses from more than 200 Jewish-identifying faculty, documents smear campaigns, boycotts, and even doxxing efforts carried out by colleagues and administrators. In some cases, these actions led to professional repercussions and concerns for personal safety.

Nearly 40 percent of those who reported antisemitic hostility said they had considered leaving academia, compared with just 5.1 percent of unaffected peers, the survey finds. More than a third of respondents admitted feeling the need to hide their Jewish or Zionist identity.

Many institutions appear reluctant to address antisemitism, often downplaying faculty concerns, the report claims. Despite being targets of antisemitic behavior themselves, many of the faculty members surveyed reported being told by others on campus what is and is not antisemitism.

“Universities are supposed to be the academic homes where faculty dedicate their lives to teaching, research, and the pursuit of truth,” says ADL vice president of advocacy Shira Goodman. “Instead, our findings show that antisemitism is driving Jewish faculty from those very homes – forcing them to choose between their safety and their careers.”