A college campus is more than just a place of education, it is a community where students come to live, learn, and socialize. As such, maintaining a safe environment is crucial for fostering both academic success and personal well-being.
The landscape for Jewish students on many college campuses has shifted dramatically since October 7, with a sharp rise in antisemitism, antizionist/pro-Hamas protests, and hostile encampments, leaving many current and prospective students, as well as their parents and caregivers, concerned about how to navigate this new terrain.
Between October 7 and August 13, Hillel International has recorded a 700 percent increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same time the year before. A large portion of this included intimidation and harassment such as verbal abuse, hateful graffiti and posters, and doxing. These types of incidents can create an atmosphere of fear and alienation for Jewish students, making it difficult for them to fully participate in campus life.
It is vital that current and prospective students know how to protect themselves on campus and make the most of their time in a safe and effective way.
Federation’s Gloria and Jesse Weissberg Community Security Initiative Team is holding a webinar on safety and security best practices for navigating college campuses next weej, which will look at both antisemitic threats as well as general safety tips to help ensure a positive campus experience. Director of Training Greg Drucks will be joined by Montclair State Police Chief Kieran Barrett to discuss the following topics.
Physical Safety and Security
- Understanding and being aware of your physical surroundings like your campus layout, location of Emergency Phones, and campus safety applications
- Situational awareness
- Avoiding becoming victim to theft/burglary
- How to navigate antisemitism and protests
Social Media
- Risks related to social media profiles
- Doxing
- Extortion/sextortion/catfishing
Mental Health
- Being aware of vital mental health services offered
- Availability of crises hotlines
- Support from different on-campus groups
- Self-care
Currently, the challenges facing Jewish students on college campuses are complex and too often unpleasant, but they are not insurmountable. By following safety and security guidelines and building a strong support system, Jewish students can secure an environment that allows them to thrive both academically and personally.
Register now for College Campus Safety & Security Webinar, Thursday, August 22, 2024, 6-6:30 p.m. on Zoom.