University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Renew the Wisconsin Idea Campaign's Strategic Activism
Key Advocacy Strategies:
Strategic Messaging
Framing advocacy within the context of the university's foundational "Wisconsin Idea".
Technological Innovation
Leveraging AI and CRM systems to enhance outreach and efficiency.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Simultaneously engaging with administration, media, and legislators.
A group of students turn a time-honored university principle on its head to combat antisemitism. Their innovative campaign combines traditional activism with cutting-edge technology.
In the spring of 2024, as pro-Palestinian protests intensified on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, a group of Jewish students recognized the need for a strategic response to growing antisemitism. Led by Ben Newman, they formed the Renew the Wisconsin Idea campaign, aiming to address campus antisemitism and promote a more inclusive university environment.
The group employed a multi-faceted approach to advocacy. They began by thoroughly researching university policies and documenting incidents of antisemitism. Using this information, they crafted a comprehensive report outlining 12 policy requests and presented it to the chancellor and administration in a high-stakes meeting. The team leveraged technology, using AI tools to rapidly develop messaging and compile contact lists. They launched a coordinated media outreach, sending press releases to 250 news organizations sharing their 12 policy requests. Simultaneously, they engaged with state legislators, using a CRM system to send personalized emails at scale.
Their efforts yielded concrete results. The university administration responded to their policy requests, leading to several changes, including an updated free expression policy, that improved the environment for Jewish students. While not all requests were granted, the campaign successfully brought attention to the issues faced by Jewish students and established a framework for ongoing dialogue with the administration.
Key Learnings:
1
Thorough preparation and documentation are crucial for credible advocacy
2
Leveraging technology can amplify the impact of a small team
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Engaging multiple stakeholders (media, legislators, administration) increases pressure for change
4
Flexibility in adjusting strategies based on administrative responses is important
Tactics for Jewish Campus Advocates:
- Create a comprehensive report detailing incidents and policy recommendations
- Use AI and data tools to streamline research and outreach efforts
- Engage in broad media outreach to amplify your message
- Leverage legislative support through targeted, personalized communication
- Maintain a non-partisan approach to build broad support
- Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on initial responses
Columbia University: Professor Shai Davidai's Courageous Stand Against Institutional Silence
Key Advocacy Strategies:
Viral Advocacy
Delivering a powerful speech against antisemitism that gained widespread attention.
Consistent Documentation
Cataloging instances of extremist behavior and discrimination on campus.
Public Education
Hosting a podcast to discuss antisemitism with prominent Jewish voices.
An assistant professor becomes an unexpected champion for Jewish students. His viral speech captivates the nation and challenges the status quo. Click to learn more.
In the wake of the October 7 attacks, Columbia University's campus became a hotbed of antisemitic activity. During this turbulent atmosphere, Assistant Professor Shai Davidai emerged as a powerful advocate for Jewish and Israeli students, fearlessly challenging the university's administration and exposing the pervasive antisemitism on campus.
Davidai's approach was multi-pronged and relentless. He documented instances of discrimination against Jewish students, including their exclusion from public spaces and classes held in illegal encampments. His efforts extended to cataloging the activities of pro-Hamas and pro-Islamic Jihad student organizations, bringing to light the extremist behavior that was being tolerated on campus. Davidai didn't confine his advocacy to Columbia; he took his message to the national stage, testifying before Congress and hosting a podcast to discuss antisemitism with prominent Jewish voices.
The impact of Davidai's advocacy has been profound, sparking a national conversation about antisemitism in higher education. His viral speech against hate towards Jews on Columbia's campus resonated far beyond the university's walls. However, his outspokenness came at a significant personal cost, including daily threats and smear campaigns targeting his family. Despite these challenges, Davidai remains steadfast in his commitment, emphasizing that his fight transcends politics and is fundamentally about human rights and decency in academic settings.
Key Learnings:
1
Detailed documentation of antisemitic incidents can provide powerful evidence for advocacy
2
Utilizing various platforms (academic, media, legislative) can amplify the message
3
Personal stories and experiences can make the issue more relatable and impactful
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Persistence in the face of personal threats can inspire others and draw attention to the severity of the issue
Tactics for Jewish Campus Advocates:
- Meticulously document and catalog incidents of antisemitism on campus
- Engage with university administration to highlight failures in addressing antisemitism
- Utilize social media and public speaking opportunities to raise awareness
- Seek opportunities to testify before legislative bodies about campus antisemitism
- Create content (e.g., podcasts, articles) to discuss antisemitism with a wider audience
- Build coalitions with other groups that support combating hate and discrimination
- Emphasize that fighting antisemitism is about fundamental human rights, not just Jewish issues
- Prepare for potential backlash and prioritize personal safety while advocating
University of Pennsylvania: Jordan Davis and Eyal Yakoby's Landmark Lawsuit Against Campus Antisemitism
Key Advocacy Strategies:
Comprehensive Documentation
Providing over 100 documented incidents of antisemitism since 2015.
Legal Pressure
Filing a Title VI lawsuit seeking injunctive relief and damages.
Specific Policy Demands
Calling for termination of antisemitic faculty and mandatory antisemitism training.
Two students decide enough is enough and take their university to court. Their lawsuit becomes part of a broader legal movement against campus antisemitism. Click to learn more.
On December 5, 2023, University of Pennsylvania students Jordan Davis and Eyal Yakoby took a bold step in the fight against campus antisemitism by filing a lawsuit against their institution. This legal action, grounded in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleged that the university had failed to adequately address the growing problem of antisemitism on campus.
The lawsuit was remarkable for its comprehensive approach. Davis and Yakoby, represented by the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore and Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, provided extensive documentation of over 100 antisemitic incidents dating back to 2015. They specifically highlighted the Palestine Writes Literature Festival as a catalyst for increased antisemitism in the fall of 2023. Their demands were equally robust, calling for an end to discriminatory practices, the termination of allegedly antisemitic faculty and staff, expulsion of students engaging in antisemitic behavior, and mandatory antisemitism training for the Penn community.
The impact of this legal action extended far beyond the courtroom. It became part of a larger movement, with similar lawsuits filed against other prestigious universities. Yakoby, even after graduating in 2024, continued to engage in public discourse, critiquing the university's responses and calling for more substantive action. His extensive use of social media led to consistent pressure on the university and focus on the issue. This ongoing involvement demonstrated the long-term commitment required for effective advocacy. By combining legal action with continued public engagement, Davis and Yakoby's efforts contributed significantly to the national conversation on antisemitism in higher education.
Key Learnings:
1
Legal action can be a powerful tool for holding institutions accountable
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Detailed documentation of incidents over time strengthens the case for systemic issues
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Specific, actionable demands can guide institutional change
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Advocacy efforts can continue to have impact even after graduation
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Combining legal action with public discourse amplifies the message
Tactics for Jewish Campus Advocates:
- Consider legal options, including Title VI complaints, when institutions fail to address antisemitism
- Meticulously document all incidents of antisemitism, creating a chronological record
- Formulate specific, actionable demands for institutional change
- Engage with legal experts or organizations experienced in civil rights law
- Continue advocacy efforts beyond graduation to maintain pressure on institutions
- Collaborate with national organizations to place individual cases in a broader context
- Use media and public speaking opportunities to complement legal actions
- Stay informed about similar cases at other institutions to inform strategy and build solidarity
Harvard University: Shabbos Kestenbaum's Multi-Pronged Legal and Public Advocacy Campaign
Key Advocacy Strategies:
Legal Action
Filing a federal lawsuit against Harvard for failing to address antisemitism.
Public Speaking
Testifying before Congress to bring national attention to campus antisemitism.
Media Engagement
Giving interviews to various news outlets to amplify Jewish students' concerns.
A law student takes on one of the world's most prestigious universities. His actions spark a national conversation about antisemitism in higher education. Click to learn more.
In response to escalating antisemitism at Harvard University, law student Shabbos Kestenbaum took a bold stand. Faced with what he described as "severe and pervasive" antisemitism on campus, Kestenbaum initiated a series of actions aimed at holding the university accountable and protecting Jewish students' rights.
Kestenbaum's advocacy strategy was comprehensive and multi-faceted. In January 2024, he became the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against Harvard, alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Simultaneously, he organized peaceful protests to raise awareness and pressure the administration. Kestenbaum didn't stop there; he directly engaged with Harvard's leadership, reminding them of past instances where they had rescinded invitations to controversial speakers and urging consistent application of these standards to address antisemitic incidents.
The impact of Kestenbaum's efforts extended far beyond Harvard's campus. He testified before Congress about the prevalence of antisemitism in higher education, bringing national attention to the issue. Through media interviews, he amplified Jewish students' concerns to a broader audience. His advocacy called for concrete policy changes, including disciplinary actions against those responsible for antisemitic abuse and the return of donations tied to antisemitic professors. Perhaps most importantly, Kestenbaum encouraged fellow Jewish students to wear their identity with pride and actively engage in campus Jewish life as a form of resistance.
Key Learnings:
1
Legal action can be a powerful tool for holding institutions accountable
2
Combining grassroots activism with high-level advocacy (e.g., Congressional testimony) can amplify impact
3
Direct engagement with university administration is crucial for pushing for policy changes
4
Encouraging Jewish pride and involvement can strengthen community resilience against antisemitism
Tactics for Jewish Campus Advocates:
- Consider legal options when institutions fail to address antisemitism adequately
- Organize peaceful protests to raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity
- Engage directly with university administration, presenting clear demands and expectations
- Seek opportunities to testify or speak at higher levels (e.g., legislative bodies) about campus issues
- Utilize media platforms to bring wider attention to campus antisemitism
- Advocate for specific policy changes and disciplinary measures against antisemitic behavior
- Encourage active participation in Jewish campus life as a form of positive resistance
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Legal Victory and Peaceful Resistance Amid Campus Tensions
Key Advocacy Strategies:
Video Documentation
Sharing viral videos of discrimination to raise awareness.
Legal Action
Filing a lawsuit leading to a groundbreaking federal court injunction.
Peaceful Counter-Demonstrations
Organizing non-violent gatherings to contrast with aggressive protests.
As tensions rise, Jewish students at UCLA employ multiple strategies to be heard. A viral video leads to a groundbreaking court decision. Click to learn more.
In the spring of 2024, UCLA became a focal point for tensions between pro-Palestinian protesters and Jewish students. The situation escalated when pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment on campus, leading to confrontations and allegations of discrimination against Jewish students. In response, three Jewish UCLA students took legal action, filing a lawsuit against the university for allowing what they termed a "Jew Exclusion Zone" in areas surrounding the encampment.
The advocacy efforts at UCLA involved multiple strategies. Jewish students like Eli Tsives documented incidents of being blocked from accessing parts of campus, sharing videos that went viral and brought national attention to the issue. Other students organized peaceful counter-demonstrations to the pro-Palestinian encampment, showcasing a contrast in approaches. The legal action taken by the three students culminated in a significant victory when U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi issued a preliminary injunction against UCLA, ruling that the university could not allow protesters to obstruct Jewish students' access to campus.
The impact of these advocacy efforts was substantial. The court ruling marked the first time a federal court had ruled against a university's response to pro-Palestine protests, setting a potential precedent for other campuses. The injunction required UCLA to ensure equal access to campus facilities for Jewish students, effectively challenging the university's handling of the protests. However, the situation also highlighted the complex dynamics on campus, with some Jewish students expressing discomfort with aggressive counter-protests and emphasizing the importance of peaceful advocacy.
Reacting and Adjusting
When a group of pro-Israel counter-protesters attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment, Jewish student leaders quickly condemned the violence. This swift response demonstrated the importance of maintaining ethical standards and distancing peaceful advocacy from violent actions. Students like Eli Tsives recognized that such incidents could harm their cause, stating, "If you're a student who's not biased in this situation, and you see a pro-Israel mob rush what they think is a peaceful encampment — even though we know this is not a peaceful encampment — it makes us look really bad." This adjustment in messaging helped maintain the moral high ground and reinforced the commitment to peaceful advocacy.
Key Learnings:
1
Legal action can be an effective tool for addressing systemic issues on campus
2
Documenting and sharing incidents of discrimination can bring national attention to local issues
3
Peaceful counter-demonstrations can provide a powerful contrast to more aggressive protests
4
Campus tensions often involve complex dynamics that require nuanced approaches
5
Swift condemnation of violence, even from supporters, is crucial for maintaining credibility
Tactics for Jewish Campus Advocates:
- Consider legal options when facing persistent discrimination or exclusion
- Use social media and video documentation to raise awareness of campus incidents
- Organize peaceful demonstrations to showcase positive community values
- Engage with university administration to push for clear policies protecting all students
- Build coalitions with diverse student groups to promote inclusive campus environments
- Be prepared to respond to and distance from aggressive actions by supporters that may harm advocacy efforts
- Maintain ongoing dialogue with university officials and security to ensure implementation of court orders or policy changes
- Quickly condemn any violent or aggressive actions, even if perpetrated by supporters of your cause
- Continuously reassess and adjust strategies based on evolving campus dynamics