Lehigh among Pennsylvania universities urged to address antisemitism

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh University was one of several Pennsylvania universities that received letters from U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman urging continued efforts to protect Jewish students on campus amid a rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide.

The letters were sent to Pennsylvania schools with the largest Jewish student populations, including Penn State, Temple, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pennsylvania, and Lehigh.

“We commend the recent steps taken at Pennsylvania universities to enforce codes of conduct, disband illegal encampments and suspend student groups that have repeatedly targeted and harassed Jewish students,” the senators wrote.

The letters did not single out any specific institutions but noted that Pennsylvania campuses have experienced an “alarming rise” of antisemitic harassment and violence. Citing Hillel International, the senators reported that the 2024–25 school year saw “record-high antisemitic incidents, including assaults, vandalism, obstruction of shared campus spaces and illegal encampments.”

“Most disturbingly, Jewish students are once again hiding their Judaism,” the senators added. “It is incumbent on all of us — especially our nation’s universities — to ensure vibrant Jewish life is not compromised or driven into the shadows.”

There were 2,334 reported incidents during the 2024–2025 academic year, marking a tenfold increase from the 289 incidents in the 2022–2023 year. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported 1,694 antisemitic incidents on college campuses in 2024, an 84% increase from the previous year.

Lehigh University entered into an agreement with federal authorities in January following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights into reports of antisemitism on campus during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 school years.

“Lehigh University is proud to be among the colleges of choice for the Jewish student community, and commends the senators for highlighting the imperative of continually combatting antisemitism,” Emily Collins, Lehigh media relations specialist, said in a statement. “Every student deserves a safe and enriching college experience, and Lehigh remains unwavering in our commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community, free of hate.”

The university said it will comply with the terms of the agreement, including reviewing policies and procedures, conducting campuswide training and performing regular assessments.

“The safety and well-being of our campus community is our top priority, and we remain committed to an equitable environment free from hate and discrimination of any kind,” the university said in a previous statement.

Earlier this year, Lehigh, along with Lafayette College and Muhlenberg College, received warning letters from the Department of Education, which threatened “potential enforcement actions” against 60 colleges and universities over alleged failures to protect Jewish students.

“Lehigh remains active in our work to combat antisemitism as part of broader efforts to address hate and bias on college campuses, and to be a campus of welcome and belonging for all,” Collins said. “The university is also proud of how the campus has safely navigated the challenging environment of the past two years.”