News Summary
U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are advocating for enhanced security measures for Jewish student organizations at five Pennsylvania universities. This initiative is in response to a surge in antisemitic incidents reported during the recent academic year. The senators’ letter, coinciding with significant anniversaries, highlights the urgent need for universities to bolster safety measures for Jewish students amid rising concerns over harassment and violence on campuses.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Braddock) and Dave McCormick (R-Pittsburgh) are demanding increased security measures for Jewish student organizations at five major Pennsylvania universities amid a significant rise in antisemitism on college campuses. Their call for action comes following a record number of antisemitic incidents reported during the 2024-25 academic year. The letter, sent at the end of August, coincided with the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel and highlighted the urgent need for universities to address concerns regarding student safety, particularly for Jewish students.
The letter specifically addressed Lehigh University, Penn State University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University. In their communication, the senators emphasized that Pennsylvania campuses have witnessed alarming levels of antisemitic harassment and violence, resulting in increased costs for Jewish institutions as they strive to ensure the safety of their students and faculty. Incidents highlighted in the letter included vandalism of Chabad houses, attacks targeting Hillel building entrances, and assaults directed at Jewish students.
In light of these troubling trends, Fetterman and McCormick urged university leaders to provide Jewish organizations with the necessary resources to enhance security measures. They underscored that no student should feel unsafe while exercising their First Amendment rights or practicing their religion, a sentiment that reflects a growing concern among lawmakers about rising antisemitism on campuses.
The senators also noted that the surge in antisemitic incidents appears to be part of a broader national trend, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. Their letter commended recent actions taken by some universities, which have included enforcing codes of conduct and suspending student groups found to be harassing Jewish students. These measures aim to create a safer environment for all student bodies and ensure equality in the treatment of diverse groups on campus.
Specific incidents of violence reported near the University of Pittsburgh’s campus have raised alarm. These include at least three attacks on Jewish students in a short period. One attack involved two students wearing yarmulkes who were assaulted by a 52-year-old man using a bottle near the Cathedral of Learning. Another incident occurred a month later when a student wearing a Star of David necklace faced an attack from a group of six to eight men who shouted antisemitic slurs.
While the senators did not specify if these incidents occurred at the universities they contacted, the overall implication is that heightened awareness and responsiveness are critical in combating the climate of fear affecting Jewish students. The response from the individual university administrations has generally reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all students, including those in the Jewish community.
In addition to state-level interventions, the Department of Education is looking into concerns surrounding antisemitism in universities. The actions taken by both the department and the senators highlight a recognition that failure to adequately address the issue could lead to repercussions, including the potential loss of federal funding for the affected institutions. As the largest universities in Pennsylvania, these campuses represent some of the state’s most significant Jewish student populations, amplifying the importance of their actions in creating a safer educational environment.
As the landscape continues to evolve, the call for stronger security measures for Jewish student organizations remains a vital issue within higher education. The letters and initiatives from state lawmakers reflect an urgent and collective response to ensure that all students can engage in their academic pursuits free from fear and discrimination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Senators Urge Pennsylvania Universities to Combat Antisemitism
MIT Class President Barred from Graduation After Speech
Trump Administration Strengthens Antisemitism Screening for Foreign Students
University of Pennsylvania Faces Antisemitism Power Struggle
US Government Moves Against Harvard Over Antisemitism Allegations
Additional Resources
- Jewish Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Antisemitism
- The New York Times
- Google Search: antisemitism in universities
- Jewish Exponent
- Google Scholar: antisemitism in education
- PennLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antisemitism
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
