NYU Announces Creation of Center for the Study of Antisemitism

New York University announced it will create a center for the study of antisemitism set to open in the fall 2024 semester following tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict on its campus.

The center will focus on the history of antisemitism and include programs addressing other forms of discrimination and prejudice. The center will be funded by a seven-figure anonymous donation, according to an announcement from university president Linda Mills.

“NYU has been a leader in addressing antisemitism over the past several years and the creation of this center consolidates that effort into a world-class institution where leading scholars can help inform both the study of antisemitism and programmatic initiatives that will help reduce it,” Beckman wrote to Washington Square News. “The center will not only study antisemitism, but will develop solutions to help reduce its appalling prevalence.”

The announcement follows a lawsuit three Jewish students filed against the university on Nov. 15, a day prior to the announcement. The lawsuit accuses the administration of failing to protect its students and body from escalating antisemitism.

“The age-old virus of antisemitism is alive and well at New York University,” their lawsuit states, according to ABC News. “This case arises from NYU’s egregious civil rights violations that have created a hostile educational environment in which plaintiffs and other Jewish NYU students have been subjected to pervasive acts of hatred, discrimination, harassment and intimidation.”

The university has denied the students’ claims and said it will be taking steps to combat antisemitism on campus.

“This gift comes at just the right time — at a moment that cries out for new study, new insights, and new solutions to combating this age-old hatred,” Mills wrote in a statement. “I look forward to applying the center’s findings on our campus and to sharing them with other colleges, universities and communities.”

Kailyn Rhone, (she/her) is from Florida, but is an NYC-based journalist covering education, technology and culture. Follow her on X: @onlykailyn. 

Edited by Nykeya Woods