Two organizations said Thursday they’ve launched an initiative to increase security for Jewish students on campus this fall.
The move comes on the heels of a House of Representatives committee report that none of the students arrested after breaking into and occupying a Columbia University building during anti-Israel demonstrations this spring has been expelled by the Ivy League outpost.
The nation’s campuses have been rocked by protests and tent-city “encampments” leaving Jewish students threatened. A federal judge this month ordered the University of California, Los Angeles, to maintain equal access to the school’s campus for Jewish and non-Jewish students, blasting the school for saying it had “no responsibility” to protect the religious freedoms of Jewish students.
And campus police at the City University of New York last week told The Post their campuses were not at all ready for another round of “potentially dangerous” anti-Israel protests.
Two groups — Secure Community Network and Hillel International — are out to change that. They said the “Operation SecureOurCampuses” effort will help “fortify” campus security in the face of anticipated protests as classes begin.
The campaign will include full-time intelligence analysis of campus developments, consultations on security and emergency plans and procedures, and “enhanced cooperation” with law enforcement to safeguard centers of Jewish life on and near campus.
“The unacceptable threat environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff on campuses across the country demands an immediate and robust response,” said SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters. “We are committed to ensuring that members of the community feel safe and supported as they pursue their education — they should be able to walk across our campuses free from fear, harassment, or targeted violence.
SCN, which tracked 674 incidents of threats and suspicious activities targeting the Jewish community since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, says many schools “struggled to protect Jewish students and faculty.”
The group already has brought together law enforcement and public-safety officials from 92 universities in 24 states, along with FBI representatives and Jewish security professionals. Ten recommendations emerged, including proactive planning, strict security policy enforcement and increased cooperation with local law enforcement.
Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said of the effort: “Together, we will continue to invest in expanded security resources that facilitate safe and secure opportunities for students to take advantage of the broad array of Jewish experiences and programs available through Hillel and its partners.”
