Brandeis Magazine

The Anti-Defamation League gave Brandeis a grade of A in the ADL’s first-ever Campus Antisemitism Report Card, released in April.

The university was one of only two higher-education institutions nationwide to receive the top grade, which the ADL website says stands for “ahead of the pack.” Elon University, in North Carolina, also received an A.

Broadly, Brandeis’ grade was based on its work “responding to antisemitism and [...] promoting a positive climate where Jewish students can feel comfortable being themselves,” President Ron Liebowitz said in his announcement of the recognition.

In all, the ADL ranked 85 campuses from A to F (for “failing”). It assessed campuses according to three broad categories: publicly disclosed administrative actions and policies, Jewish student life on campus, and antisemitic incidents. Criteria examined included the process for reporting antisemitic incidents; the institution’s public condemnation of antisemitic incidents; the presence of active Jewish organizations, such as Chabad and Hillel; the availability of kosher dining; and the presence of a Jewish studies program.

“We are proud to be acknowledged for our continued support for our Jewish students, faculty, and staff at a time when many campuses are struggling to protect these members of their community,” Liebowitz said.

The ADL rankings and grading criteria can be found on the ADL website.