13 American universities slapped with ‘F’ grade on campus antisemitism

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released its 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card on Monday, shedding light on the state of antisemitism across 135 universities in the United States. The report, which grades schools from A to F based on 30 criteria divided into three categories—Administrative Policies, Jewish Life on Campus, and Campus Conduct and Climate Concerns—revealed troubling trends. Thirteen universities received failing “F” grades, while eight schools earned top “A” grades. The ADL emphasized that the report is not just about grading but about providing a roadmap for universities to address antisemitism effectively. The organization highlighted that while some campuses have made progress, many Jewish students still do not feel safe or included.

Among the 13 universities that received “F” grades were 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, and University of Minnesota. These schools were cited for insufficient action in addressing antisemitism, inadequate policies, or hostile campus climates. Specific incidents, such as anti-Israel protests, assaults on Jewish students, and biased faculty statements, contributed to these failing grades. For example, DePaul University faced criticism after two Jewish students were assaulted by masked attackers last November, while Portland State University had to shut down its campus in May due to anti-Israel protests that resulted in vandalism. At The New School in New York City, protesters set up an encampment with messages like “The future is anti-Zionist,” according to the ADL.

DePaul University responded to the report, expressing disappointment and stating that it condemns antisemitism in all forms. The school added that it would like to meet with the ADL to understand how it can improve Jewish students’ experiences on campus. However, the other universities that received “F” grades did not immediately respond to requests for comment. These incidents and the lack of response highlight the challenges many Jewish students face on campuses across the country. The ADL pointed out that while progress has been made at some schools, many universities still fail to create inclusive environments for Jewish students.

On a more positive note, eight schools received “A” grades, including Florida International University, the University of Alabama, the University of Miami, and Vanderbilt University. These schools were recognized for their strong policies, proactive measures to address antisemitism, and commitment to fostering inclusive campus climates. The ADL noted that 36% of schools received an “A” or “B” grade this year, up from 23.5% in 2024. This improvement reflects the growing awareness of antisemitism and the steps some universities have taken to address it. For instance, many schools have revised their demonstration policies and implemented mandatory antisemitism education programs.

The ADL also highlighted that over 50% of the schools assessed in 2024 have enacted major policy changes in response to rising antisemitism. These changes include strengthening demonstration policies, improving bias reporting mechanisms, and enforcing consequences for antisemitic behavior. However, some Ivy League schools, such as Yale and Columbia, received “D” grades, while Dartmouth College earned a “B.” This disparity underscores the uneven progress across institutions, even among prestigious universities.

In a statement, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt emphasized that every campus should strive for an “A” grade, as this should be the standard, not an exception. He commended the progress made by some schools but stressed that Jewish students still feel unsafe or excluded on too many campuses. Greenblatt called on university leaders to take real action to address these challenges, noting that the progress seen in some schools proves that change is possible. The report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to combat antisemitism and create inclusive environments for all students. While some universities have made significant strides, others must do more to ensure that Jewish students feel safe, supported, and valued on campus.