UMass Hillel Statement on ADL Scorecard
April 12, 2024
The ADL Campus Antisemitism Scorecard which was published yesterday, unfortunately misrepresents the reality of Jewish life at UMass Amherst. As the center of Jewish life on campus, UMass Hillel engages over 1500 students annually in our vibrant pluralist Jewish community, which includes 9 active Jewish student groups and hosts countless Jewish programs and opportunities each semester. We work directly with students every day to build community, and we are on the ground addressing issues of antisemitism, working in close partnership with UMass administration, faculty, and staff to ensure UMass is a great place to be a Jewish student.
During this unprecedented time of rising antisemitism on campuses across the country, UMass too has had difficult challenges, including protests with inflammatory rhetoric and incidents of antisemitism. But the ADL’s rating, based on limited criteria and subjective assessment, done without actual presence on campus or input from current students, is flawed and is misrepresentative. The scorecard risks inaccurately and irresponsibly conveying the message that UMass Amherst is not a good choice for prospective Jewish students at the time when families are choosing where to commit.
In this difficult year, Chancellor Reyes, the UMass Amherst administration and other campus leaders have demonstrated care for the wellbeing of Jewish students, and a commitment to working with Hillel and Jewish student leaders to address incidents of antisemitism and concerns about the campus climate. While there is much work to be done, at Hillel, we are grateful to maintain strong relationships of mutual respect with campus administration that provides the basis for addressing problems as they arise and for working collaboratively to ensure that UMass is a great place to be a Jewish student now and in the years ahead.
We have a strong, dynamic, joyous Jewish community at UMass Amherst. In the words of one senior:
“I have never had a Jewish community as special to me as UMass Hillel, and it’s really the people who make this community what it is. They’ve shown me that this is exactly how I want to be a Jew. No matter how you grew up, this community will accept you, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Regardless of how you observe, you will find a home here. I want prospective students to know that this is a great school to be Jewish at and we have a lot of resources. Whatever kind of Jewish community you’re looking for, we have it! The community here looks out for each other and provides for each other.”
One of the most powerful ways to counter antisemitism is by fostering vibrant Jewish community where students can become proud, resilient and empowered young adults and leaders. This is what we have at UMass. The doors of UMass Hillel are always open to students, providing a hub of Jewish community and culture, where they can connect and explore values, identity, and tradition, and find support to address challenges when they arise.
UMass Hillel is proud to be associated with our flagship state university. We remain unwavering in our mission to help Jewish students thrive, even in this time of rising antisemitism around the world and on campuses everywhere. We will continue to work relentlessly to support students, strengthen the campus climate, and partner with campus leadership to ensure that UMass Amherst remains a great place for Jewish students to live and learn.
The ADL Campus Antisemitism Scorecard which was published yesterday, unfortunately misrepresents the reality of Jewish life at UMass Amherst. As the center of Jewish life on campus, UMass Hillel engages over 1500 students annually in our vibrant pluralist Jewish community, which includes 9 active Jewish student groups and hosts countless Jewish programs and opportunities each semester. We work directly with students every day to build community, and we are on the ground addressing issues of antisemitism, working in close partnership with UMass administration, faculty, and staff to ensure UMass is a great place to be a Jewish student.
During this unprecedented time of rising antisemitism on campuses across the country, UMass too has had difficult challenges, including protests with inflammatory rhetoric and incidents of antisemitism. But the ADL’s rating, based on limited criteria and subjective assessment, done without actual presence on campus or input from current students, is flawed and is misrepresentative. The scorecard risks inaccurately and irresponsibly conveying the message that UMass Amherst is not a good choice for prospective Jewish students at the time when families are choosing where to commit.
In this difficult year, Chancellor Reyes, the UMass Amherst administration and other campus leaders have demonstrated care for the wellbeing of Jewish students, and a commitment to working with Hillel and Jewish student leaders to address incidents of antisemitism and concerns about the campus climate. While there is much work to be done, at Hillel, we are grateful to maintain strong relationships of mutual respect with campus administration that provides the basis for addressing problems as they arise and for working collaboratively to ensure that UMass is a great place to be a Jewish student now and in the years ahead.
We have a strong, dynamic, joyous Jewish community at UMass Amherst. In the words of one senior:
“I have never had a Jewish community as special to me as UMass Hillel, and it’s really the people who make this community what it is. They’ve shown me that this is exactly how I want to be a Jew. No matter how you grew up, this community will accept you, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Regardless of how you observe, you will find a home here. I want prospective students to know that this is a great school to be Jewish at and we have a lot of resources. Whatever kind of Jewish community you’re looking for, we have it! The community here looks out for each other and provides for each other.”
One of the most powerful ways to counter antisemitism is by fostering vibrant Jewish community where students can become proud, resilient and empowered young adults and leaders. This is what we have at UMass. The doors of UMass Hillel are always open to students, providing a hub of Jewish community and culture, where they can connect and explore values, identity, and tradition, and find support to address challenges when they arise.
UMass Hillel is proud to be associated with our flagship state university. We remain unwavering in our mission to help Jewish students thrive, even in this time of rising antisemitism around the world and on campuses everywhere. We will continue to work relentlessly to support students, strengthen the campus climate, and partner with campus leadership to ensure that UMass Amherst remains a great place for Jewish students to live and learn.
