(The Center Square) – The University of Virginia is showing significant signs of improvement in combating antisemitism on campus, according to a new report.
The Anti-Defamation League released its updated Campus Antisemitism Report Card nearly a year after pro-Palestinian protests erupted on university campuses across the country, sparking antisemitic backlash.
Nearly a year after The Center Square reported on the university’s failing grade, “F” on the report card, the school has jumped to a “C.”
Since the spring of 2024, the Anti-Defamation League has reported two antisemitic incidents on campus involving violent threats.
In an effort to combat antisemitism, the university created a task force on religious diversity and belonging in 2023, which addresses reports of antisemitic incidents and recommends educational offerings.
The Anti-Defamation League noted that during anti-Israel protests at the university in April 2024, after protests began and violations of policies were recorded, “leading administrators” issued several requests to comply with UVA policies, followed by the state police disbanding the demonstrations.
The report underscored that President Jim Ryan has been vocal in his opposition to the divestment resolution, warning that the university “should not use its investment strategy to take sides on a ‘complex and deeply contested’ issue.”
The report also noted that the university took swift action to update its “policies on time, place and manner restrictions” regarding campus protests in response to the “Unite the Right” rally in 2017.
In August 2024, the university task force on Religious Diversity and Belonging released its first report, which outlined key findings and recommendations, including those relating to “strengthening religious accommodations and addressing religious-based bias and harassment.” In response, the university committed to implementing several recommendations.
Ahead of the 2024-25 academic year, the university updated its policies regarding expressive activities, which include clear time, place and manner policies. The UVA Investment Management Company announced it would not cut financial ties with Israel in September.
In addition, the Anti-Defamation League noted that the university maintains a close relationship with Hillel and the Jewish Leadership Advisory Board, which meets frequently with group representatives. Lastly, the university safety and security department hosted an antisemitism training day, attended by over 120 employees from the diversity, equity and inclusion and student affairs departments.
The upgrade from the Anti-Defamation League follows another piece of good news for the university. In September, UVA ranked first in free speech rankings on college campuses.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression surveyed over 250 colleges and universities in its rankings. The foundation survey, administered by College Pulse, surveyed nearly 60,000 undergraduates enrolled full-time in four-year degree programs.
UVA scored an average of 73.41, which is described as “good” for its free speech climate. The survey reported that 78% of students reported that “shouting down a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus is at least rarely acceptable.”
