Brandeis Professor Advocates Collaboration to Combat Campus Antisemitism and Promote Free Speech

On August 7, 2025, the Massachusetts Legislature convened a Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, where discussions centered on the complexities of addressing antisemitism within educational institutions. The meeting highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to combatting antisemitism, particularly in universities, where the balance between free speech and maintaining a respectful academic environment is increasingly contentious.

A key contributor to the discussion was a psychologist who emphasized the detrimental effects of punitive federal strategies aimed at universities. He argued that while these measures might temporarily reduce antisemitic behavior, they risk stifling academic research and collaboration, which are vital to the Commonwealth's educational landscape. The psychologist presented findings from a recent study involving faculty at research-intensive universities, revealing that while some faculty members held antisemitic views, the majority were committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment. He noted that over 90% of faculty expressed a desire to teach students how to critically evaluate multiple perspectives, underscoring the importance of collaboration between faculty and administration in addressing antisemitism.

Commissioner Friedrich, a member of the Harvard Law School faculty, raised concerns about the inconsistent enforcement of disciplinary measures for hate speech across different protected groups. He pointed out that while misconduct against Black, Latino, or LGBTQ students is often swiftly addressed, similar actions targeting Jewish students have not received the same level of attention, particularly following the events of October 7. This inconsistency raises questions about the commitment of faculty and administration to uphold university policies uniformly.

The discussion also touched on the need for clearer guidelines distinguishing between political speech and hate speech. Commissioner Shaker highlighted the lack of specific examples in university policies regarding Title VI violations, suggesting that this ambiguity contributes to the confusion surrounding acceptable discourse about Israel and antisemitism. The psychologist agreed, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to defining and addressing these issues within educational settings.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical role that Massachusetts universities play in shaping discourse around antisemitism and the need for collaborative efforts to create effective educational solutions. As the Commonwealth seeks to position itself as a model for addressing these challenges, the discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging the intellectual resources of its educational institutions to combat antisemitism while fostering an environment of open dialogue and respect. The commission's next steps will likely involve developing actionable strategies to clarify policies and enhance faculty engagement in combating antisemitism across campuses.