To the editor:
In “The End of School?” (September 19, 2024), Mark A. Boyer rightly calls out the dangers of one-sided activism in academia—activism that prioritizes branding over radical change. The same is playing out in the halls of Congress, where the discussion about anti-Semitism has become political posturing and talking points instead of meaningful action. If we want to make real progress in combating antisemitism on college campuses and beyond, we must be wary of those who pay lip service to antisemitism without proposing or advocating for concrete, effective action.
Unlike symbolic gestures, leaders like Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Dan Goldman understand that fighting hate requires sustained effort and resources. Their proposed Show Up for Students Act, which aims to strengthen the Department of Education’s Office of Human Rights, represents a real effort to combat discrimination on college campuses. Fully supporting this important organization is essential to successfully investigating and addressing incidents of bias. However, recent efforts by Republican lawmakers to cut funding are hampering efforts to create safe, inclusive campuses for all students.
Beyond legal action, universities themselves have an important role to play in the fight against hate. We must encourage institutions to increase their capacity to protect all students from bullying, harassment and threats, while promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
Central to this effort is helping students meet the intellectual challenges inherent in higher education. Boyer emphasizes the need for campuses to maintain dialogue and embrace diverse perspectives. Universities should equip students with the tools to engage deeply and empathetically with diverse perspectives. The Nexus Army Campus Guide to Identifying Antisemitism in a Time of Confusion provides a resource for distinguishing between antisemitic threats and legitimate political speech.
Colleges and universities must take immediate steps to address truth and atheism and promote a culture of respect on our campuses. In order to do this, they need strong support from policymakers who understand that the safety and intellectual growth of students should not be sacrificed to party programs. By addressing the root causes of intolerance and equipping our students with tools for constructive dialogue, we can create campuses – and ultimately, a society – free of the stigma of intolerance and all forms of racism. Let’s urge our elected officials to move beyond rhetoric and adopt these practical and strong measures. If we are serious about fighting hate in all its forms, this is the way to go.
–Kevin Rachlin
Washington Director, Nexus Leadership Project
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