In response to the alarming surge in antisemitic incidents on college campuses, Mandana Dayani, the former president of Archewell, has partnered with Jewish student activists to launch ‘Our CampUs United.’ This innovative digital platform aims to provide resources and support for Jewish students confronting antisemitism in higher education institutions.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported over 1,400 antisemitic incidents on college campuses during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a 500% increase from the previous year and setting an all-time high. citeturn0search2 This disturbing trend underscores the urgent need for initiatives like ‘Our CampUs United.’
Yasmeen Ohebsion, one of the student co-founders, previously testified before Congress about her personal experiences with antisemitism at Tulane University. She recounted numerous distressing encounters, emphasizing the necessity for fair treatment and adequate support for Jewish students.
‘Our CampUs United’ offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including email templates and guides for addressing antisemitic incidents. The platform aims to empower Jewish students by providing tools to navigate and combat discrimination, ensuring they receive equal treatment within their academic communities.
The launch of this platform coincides with heightened scrutiny of universities’ handling of antisemitism. The U.S. Department of Education has initiated investigations into several prominent institutions, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley, examining allegations of inadequate responses to antisemitic incidents.
Mandana Dayani’s involvement brings a wealth of experience to the initiative. As the former president of Archewell, the organization founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, she has a proven track record in advocacy and organizational leadership. Her collaboration with student activists highlights a unified effort to address and mitigate antisemitism on campuses nationwide.
The creators of ‘Our CampUs United’ hope the platform will serve as a vital resource for Jewish students, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment in higher education. By equipping students with the necessary tools and support, they aim to counteract the rising tide of antisemitism and ensure that all students can pursue their education without fear of discrimination.