A recent report from the University of Chicago Project on Security and Threats reveals that more than half of Jewish and Muslim students, along with a fifth of all college students, feel unsafe on campus due to their positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Findings of the Report

The report, based on national surveys of 5,000 students from over 600 four-year colleges and universities, conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, delves into students' fears and beliefs following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's subsequent actions in the Gaza Strip.

The surveys uncovered significant concerns among students, with instances of actual violence occurring on campuses and a notable minority expressing antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiments. However, the report also suggests that some of these fears may stem from misunderstandings about each other's perspectives on the conflict, often reduced to slogans during passionate campus protests.

Extent of Fear and Concern

According to the report, approximately 56 percent of Jewish students, 52 percent of Muslim students, and 16 percent of other college students feel personally threatened due to their support for one side or the other in the conflict. This equates to roughly two to three million students nationwide, highlighting the widespread nature of campus fears.

Robert A. Pape, the author of the report and a political science professor at the University of Chicago, emphasized the intensity and prevalence of these fears, indicating that they extend beyond what was previously understood.

Evidence of Real Threats

The survey results also revealed instances where students' fears were substantiated by actual incidents. Over 1,000 students provided detailed accounts explaining why they felt personally endangered due to their views on the conflict.

These incidents ranged from perceiving certain protest chants as threatening to experiencing or witnessing acts of intimidation or violence. Examples included threats of physical harm during fundraising events for emergency services in Israel, vandalism of fraternity houses and synagogues, and verbal assaults based on religious or ethnic identity.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

Organizations representing Jewish and Muslim students expressed concern over the findings, noting that attacks and harassment targeting students have reached unprecedented levels. Corey Saylor, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, highlighted efforts to expose personal information about pro-Palestinian students, while Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, cited a significant increase in incidents of antisemitic harassment and vandalism.

Campus Responses and Recommendations

The report urges campus leaders to condemn violence and bullying among students, initiate educational programs about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and support research on antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and Islamophobia. These recommendations aim to foster a more inclusive and understanding campus environment, promoting dialogue and empathy among students with differing perspectives.

Despite the challenges posed by misunderstandings and deep-rooted tensions, the report underscores the importance of addressing these issues head-on to create safer and more respectful campus communities.