Since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 and Israeli's counter airstrikes on Gaza, a global growth of antisemitism has seeped into American university campuses, producing distressed students fearing persecution from coast to coast. 

At Tulane University, in New Orleans, La., a fight broke out after someone tried to burn an Israeli flag. 

At Cornell University, in Ithaca, N.Y., classes were cancelled after 21-year-old student Patrick Dai allegedly posted death threats against Jewish students under the username "hamas soldier" on a Greek-life website. 

For Cornell University student, Zoe Bernstein, according to CNN, she's experienced "amplified feelings of despair." 

To her, there's a disconnect between the hatred displayed towards Jews on campus and what's happening in Israel. 

She proudly wears a gold star of David over her black turtleneck, showing the resiliency of her people. 

On Monday, November 6, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) wrote to 110 colleges and universities, where recorded incidents of antisemitism were seen in recent weeks, to press university officials to create a safer school environment. 

Tulane University and Cornell University were included among those colleges.

"A global convulsion of antisemitism has followed closely in the wake of this massacre, and, sadly, America’s university campuses have not been immune," wrote Rep. Yakym. 

In his letter, Rep. Yakym addressed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officers at these colleges and universities, calling out their seemingly inclusive environment that ensures "all students and faculty, regardless of nationality or faith, feel accepted in the campus environment and student body," but doubts their intention of inclusivity due to overwhelming evidence in recent events showing otherwise. 

"There are too many examples of threats or acts of physical violence, verbal harassment, intimidation, graffiti, stalking, and other menacing actions directed at Israeli and Jewish students and faculty," wrote Rep. Yaykm, pointing out issues that need be addressed. 

Rep. Yakym prescribed a response to his letter, addressing the following questions by December 8, 2023. 

• Does the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging maintain an official, written definition of antisemitism?
• Does the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging classify it as antisemitic? Do you believe that it increases or decreases feelings of inclusion and belonging among Israeli and Jewish students and faculty?
• Please describe specific actions taken by the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to educate and raise awareness about antisemitism since October 7, 2023.
• Please describe resources you are providing to Israeli or Jewish students and faculty to ensure they do not face threats of physical violence, verbal harassment, intimidation, and other actions that directly or indirectly encourage exclusion from the campus environment, including any mechanism to report such incidents should they occur.

Read Congressman Yakym's letter and the complete questions addressed to schools DEI officers here.