My alma mater's Jewish student organization refutes claim

[Tripnsweep]

Yes I am an ASU alumni, and they are supposedly under investigation for being "antisemitic". Here's the letter.

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On March 10, 2025, the US Department of Education issued a letter to 60 US colleges and universities, including Arizona State University (ASU), regarding antisemitic discrimination and harassment. This letter warns of potential enforcement actions if ASU does not fulfill its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities.

 

Antisemitism is all-too-common around the world, including in American society. We are well aware that this sad reality has led to hostile environments for Jewish students, faculty, and staff on many university campuses.

 

ASU is not one of those campuses. As leaders of organizations that support the Jewish experience at ASU, we have consistently found that ASU’s campus culture enables Jewish students, faculty, and staff to thrive. ASU President Michael Crow, along with his administration, welcomes everyone and encourages their robust and responsible free expression. Rare incidents that challenge these norms are dealt with by administration swiftly and effectively.

 

ASU’s campus culture is a consequence of leaders who take the ASU Charter seriously, which includes proactively combating antisemitism through specific actions in support of the Jewish community. Examples include meeting with students and leaders whenever concerns arise, encouraging the formation of the new Jewish Faculty & Staff Association, and co-sponsoring the upcoming Rising Above Together conference with the Anti-Defamation League.

 

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, ASU has provided both symbolic and tangible support to Jews on campus and in the broader academic community around the world, such as by becoming a founding member of the “We Stand Together” coalition and through its steadfast partnership with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel.

 

In recognition of ASU’s support, President Crow received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 2024, and a community leadership award from Hillel at ASU in 2025. In a 2025 “report card”, the Anti-Defamation League rated ASU Jewish life on campus “excellent”, and campus climate concerns “low to none”. We agree.

 

We take deep pride in our ASU community, and the mutual respect it encourages for all who come to learn, teach, and research. The ASU Charter resonates with many of the values that energize the Jewish community.

 

We take to heart Dr. Crow’s recent statement at Hillel’s L’Dor V’Dor gala, “ASU remains committed to the success and the well-being of our Jewish students and our Jewish families and our Jewish community in every possible way.”

 

We are grateful to work and support students in an environment in which institutional leaders serve as true partners in ensuring a positive Jewish experience.

 

Signed,

 

Prof. Ariel Anbar

 

Chair, ASU Jewish Faculty and Staff Association

 

 

 

Debbie Yunker Kail

 

Executive Director, Hillel at ASU

 

 

 

Prof. Hava Tirosh-Samuelson

 

Director, ASU Jewish Studies

 

 

 

Rabbi Shmuel Tiechtel

 

Director, Chabad at ASU