The Anti-Defamation League's 2025 Campus Report published Monday reveals that almost half of US universities improved protection for Jewish students compared to last year, though many still fail to do so. The index, which examines how colleges and universities in the US address antisemitism, ranked 135 institutions this year, 50 more than last year. Using 30 evaluation criteria, it gave institutions letter grades from A (best) to F (worst).
The ranking is based on the extent of antisemitic events, demonstrations, and anti-Zionist groups on campus, the institutions' responses and policy changes following antisemitic events, and assesses the support, inclusion, and security of Jewish community members on campus through campus organizations and cultural engagement.
The Anti-Defamation League awarded an A or B rating to 36% of academic institutions examined in the US, up from 23.5% compared to 2024. 21% of institutions received a D rating, including Columbia University, which was a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations and showed no improvement over the previous report. 9.6% received an F rating, the lowest. 45% of institutions that were previously rated improved their ratings, while only 9% experienced a decline.
Harvard University, which was a focal point where many antisemitic incidents were reported at the beginning of the war, improved by two rating levels. Others that improved by two rating levels include: Queens College of CUNY, Georgetown University, Michigan State University, SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Rockland Community College, Tufts University, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt University.
Excellent institutions (A rating): Brandeis University, Queens College of CUNY, Brooklyn College of CUNY, Elon University, Florida International University, University of Alabama, University of Miami, and Vanderbilt University.
Failing institutions (F rating): California Polytechnic University, DePaul University, Evergreen State College, 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.
"I said it last year and I'll say it again: every campus should get an A rating, it's not a high bar – it should be the standard," said Jonathan Greenblatt, the global CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. "While many campuses have improved in encouraging and praiseworthy ways, Jewish students still don't feel safe or part of the community in too many campuses. The progress we're seeing is proof that change is possible, when every university leadership focuses on addressing these real challenges through concrete actions."
The Anti-Defamation League notes that more than 50% of institutions examined in 2024 made significant policy changes in response to rising antisemitism on campuses; almost all updated their demonstration policies. Universities that strengthened and consistently enforced policies, required antisemitism training, and improved bias reporting processes showed the most progress.
"The improvement in addressing antisemitism on campuses largely stems from new management initiatives implemented in response to the antisemitism crisis on campuses," said Shira Goodman, Vice President of the Anti-Defamation League for Policy and Advancement.
"We are pleased that improving the campus climate for Jewish students has been a high priority for many of these institutions, and we hope that all colleges and universities will understand the importance of developing and enforcing clear policies and procedures – to create a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish students and all students."
A recent ADL survey, conducted in collaboration with additional organizations, found that 83% of Jewish students on campuses experienced or witnessed antisemitism since Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, and that 66% of Jewish students are not confident in their university's ability to prevent antisemitic incidents.
