Brandeis University Presidential Initiative to Counter Antisemitism in Higher Education

A Daylong Symposium for Middle and High School Leaders and Educators

Monday, May 6, 2024

The Brandeis University Presidential Initiative to Counter Antisemitism in Higher Education convened teams of independent and public school leaders and educators in middle and high schools from the Greater Boston area. 145 school personnel attended from 52 schools and districts, including heads of schools, principals, superintendents, DEI professionals, and educators from the humanities and sciences.

They engaged with practitioners from an array of educational institutions who presented content about antisemitism tailored to the middle and upper school setting, delving into the nature of antisemitism, its manifestations in the twenty-first century, and how to navigate difficult conversations in the midst of the October 7 war.

Recognizing that this symposium was the beginning of a longer educational process, the three primary objectives were to:

1. Build a brave space for administrators and educators to lean in with curiosity to examine antisemitism and the factors that contribute to its cultivation.

2. Provide meaningful professional development to school administrators and educators on antisemitism.

3. Introduce school professionals to educational resources and individuals who can serve in a long-term relationship with schools to counter Jew-hatred.