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Northwestern University clarified this week that fewer than three dozen students refused to complete a mandatory antisemitism training video and now face penalties. The update came after earlier reports incorrectly claimed hundreds of students had been blocked from classes.
The 17-minute module, “Antisemitism Here/Now,” comes from the Jewish United Fund of Chicago, which produced it at Northwestern’s request. The university introduced the program this year to address growing concerns about antisemitism tied to pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Students who boycotted the training argued that it promotes bias. More than 200 students, faculty, and outside supporters signed a letter describing the video as “denialist, unscholarly, discriminatory and morally harmful.”
Training Defines Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism
The module presents a short history of Judaism, Israel, and antisemitism. It explains that not all criticism of Israel counts as antisemitic. At the same time, it stresses that anti-Zionism targets Jewish self-determination and therefore crosses into antisemitism.
“Anti-Zionism also takes many forms, most of which are antisemitic, because they work against Jewish human rights,” the narrator says. “Israel criticism is fine if it’s not based on conspiracy theories, distortions of history, or antisemitic tropes.”
The narrator opens with a disclaimer that some Jews may disagree with the presentation, highlighting Judaism’s culture of debate. Still, he emphasizes that the training reflects the perspective of most Jews.
Officials and Jewish Leaders Defend the Program
Northwestern administrators emphasized that students do not need to agree with the training. They must, however, complete it and commit to the Student Code of Conduct. Boycott supporters argue that the code limits protest rights.
Michael Simon, executive director of Northwestern Hillel, defended the module. He called the training “crucial” for raising awareness about antisemitism and described it as a foundation for further learning.
Claire Conner, a junior and president of Northwestern Hillel, criticized her peers for refusing to participate.
“I was actually surprised by the level of pluralism and nuance in the video, which made it even more confusing that people were protesting it,” Conner said. “Nobody is required to agree with the contents of the training. The only thing that’s required is that they listen.”
The dispute underscores a broader struggle on U.S. campuses. Universities that work to educate students about antisemitism often confront resistance from movements that vilify Israel. By rejecting even a basic introduction to Jewish history and prejudice, boycotting students reinforce a campus climate where Jewish voices are already marginalized and under attack.
A Test of Compliance and Accountability
In a statement issued this week, the Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) praised the university for holding firm on its training requirement. CAAN framed the program not as censorship but as a civil rights compliance measure under Title VI, comparable to other mandatory anti-discrimination modules. The group stressed that such policies protect Jewish students’ right to learn free from harassment and intimidation.
CAAN also challenged the credibility of the boycott letter, noting that it relied on open web forms padded with anonymous names and non-students. According to the group, this effort attempted to mask political activism as legitimate campus opposition. “Students may debate Israeli policy freely,” CAAN said, “but they cannot reject civil rights obligations or carve Jews out of protections every other community receives.”
The statement further warned against outside influence on campus policy, citing Northwestern’s longstanding ties to the Qatar Foundation and faculty connected to those networks who signed the boycott letter. CAAN urged the university to ensure neutral, conflict-free oversight of antisemitism compliance.
Finally, the coalition emphasized that training alone is insufficient. Without consistent enforcement, CAAN cautioned, Jewish students will remain vulnerable to the same intimidation that sparked federal scrutiny. The group called on Northwestern to investigate complaints promptly, correct discriminatory student group bylaws, and ensure transparent accountability.
“Civil rights compliance begins with a module,” the CAAN statement concluded, “but it must end with enforcement.”
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
