Why did UW get ‘D’ grade, Evergreen ‘F’ grade from this major national organization?

The University of Washington (UW) has earned a “D” grade from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in a recent report card that evaluated 135 U.S. schools over the handling of antisemitism on campus. Overall, it found a modest improvement at colleges across the country, though 13 colleges and universities were hit with an “F” grade.

The report highlights concerns over antisemitism affecting the university’s Jewish community, which have since prompted investigations and policy changes at the UW.

The assessment was based on 30 criteria across three categories: administrative policies, Jewish campus life and campus conduct and climate concerns. The UW earned negative grades specifically for “Level of hostile anti-Zionist student government activity,”
“Level of hostile anti-Zionist student groups,” and “Level of hostile anti-Zionist staff and faculty activity.” Zionism is a movement for the self-determination and statehood for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland, Israel, held by a majority of Jews globally.

The ADL did rate Jewish life on campus as “excellent,” in large part, due to Jewish student groups being active on campus.

Related from Jason Rantz: After another hate rally, the Trump admin must investigate antisemitism at University of Washington

Litigation and investigations at UW

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights launched a Title VI investigation into the university following reports of antisemitic incidents and behavior. One year later, the Louis D. Brandeis Center filed a Title VI complaint accusing the university of failing to address the problem. 

Throughout 2024, incidents continued to fuel tensions on campus. In May, antisemitic graffiti was discovered. This was followed by a resolution from the Associated Students of UW that called for “divestment” from Israel.

Later that year, protests disrupted a UW Board of Regents meeting, and vandals targeted the university president’s property with antisemitic graffiti.

How did UW react to antisemitism on campus?

UW has since made steps toward addressing the reported issues.

An anti-Israel encampment was dismantled in May 2024 after a resolution was reached between protesters and administrators. The ADL report also highlights that the university formed a task force aimed at specifically addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia throughout the Seattle campus. 

Faculty are also enforcing mandatory antisemitism education for all senior administrative leaders, along with all employees who review, investigate or respond to reports of bias starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.

“We are pleased by the ADL’s recognition that Jewish life on campus is excellent and that the University of Washington administration’s actions are meeting expectations, yet disappointed to see the overall rating reduced due to issues around campus climate and conduct,” a UW spokesperson told “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH. “The UW stands firmly against antisemitism and is engaging with Jewish students, faculty, and community leaders as we implement the recommendations made by the UW’s Antisemitism Task Force and work toward an even more welcoming environment for all students.”

Evergreen State College one of ten ‘F’ grades

The ADL cited Evergreen State College for displaying virulent antisemitism and sympathy for terrorist groups.

“In April 2024, anti-Israel protestors established an encampment at Evergreen State College. During the encampment, protesters flew the flag of the U.S.-designated terror group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and held signs with messages that included ‘Glory to the martyrs. Glory to the Resistance.’ That same month, graffiti was found on campus that read ‘Kill Zionists,'” the ADL reported.

The group chides the administration for capitulating to students responsible for an anti-Israel encampment.

An Evergreen State College spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The 12 other schools that received “F” grades were: California Polytechnic State University, DePaul University, Haverford College, Loyola University New Orleans, Pitzer College, Pomona College, Portland State University, Scripps College, The New School, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Minnesota.

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