Letter Urging Campus Administration to Reject Israel-Related Boycotts
Tools and Strategies
Dear President [Last Name], I am reaching out to address a pressing concern: the increasing prevalence of shadow boycotts targeting Israeli, Jewish and openly Zionist academics at [University Name] and institutions nationwide. This harmful trend, which has grown in response to the Israel-Hamas war, undermines the values of academic freedom and diversity that form the cornerstone of higher education. Shadow boycotts entail the subtle yet systematic exclusion of Israeli, Jewish or openly Zionist…
ADL is addressing antisemitism through advocacy and education to help Jewish students, teachers and allies feel safe in the classroom. Explore the toolkits now!
Israel Divestment Talking Points: A Primer for Engaging University Endowment Leadership
Tools and Strategies
IntroductionThese talking points address critical issues about university endowment divestment from companies doing business in Israel. We aim to provide comprehensive insights into the economic, legal, academic, and social implications of such decisions. Background and Key Definitions1. ADL believes that many of the founding goals of the BDS movement, which if implemented, would eradicate Israel, are antisemitic. Some BDS advocates and campaigns engage in antisemitic rhetoric. Boycott,…
Identity-Based Bullying: Listening to Young People
Tools and Strategies
Table Talk: Family Conversations about Current EventsAll young people should be able to feel safe, included and respected in their classrooms and schools. Unfortunately, many do not. A recent study of high school students found that nearly four in ten students experienced identity-based bullying or bullying related to an aspect of their identity such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical appearance. How can we listen and learn from young people about…
This parent/family discussion guide helps families engage in a discussion about the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, its aftermath and how families can help.
Navegando en un mundo digital: Consejos para los jóvenes
Tools and Strategies
For Educators | For Parents, Families, and Caregivers | For Students Tweens and teens spend a lot of time using technology, much of it positive, but it can move into cyberbullying and other online mean behavior. Below are tips young people can use in their digital lives to help them have a positive online experience and effectively respond to negative online behavior and cyberbullying. Before going online...Set guidelines.Limit electronic use.Consider what it means to be responsible online…
10 maneras de mantener conversaciones concienzudas sobre el conflicto palestino-israelí
Tools and Strategies
Cómo mantener un debate concienzudo sobre el conflicto palestino-israelí y evitar los errores más comunes que podrían invocar el antisemitismo, el sesgo o la intolerancia.
10 Ways to Have Conscientious Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Tools and Strategies
Learn tips on how to have conscientious discussions about this complex issue and how to avoid common pitfalls that could invoke antisemitism, bias or bigotry.
For Educators | For Parents, Families, and Caregivers | For Students Here are some simple things you can do to be an ally to targets of name-calling and bullying. And remember—always think about your safety first when deciding the best way to respond. 1. Support targets, whether you know them or not.Show compassion and encouragement to those who are the targets of bullying behavior by asking if they’re okay, going with them to get help and letting them know you are there for them…
Table Talk: Family Conversations About Current EventsWhen there are periods of heightened violence and war in the news, oftentimes one or more marginalized identity groups can become the focus of attention, anger, hostility and bias even far removed from the location of the conflict. When there is conflict in the Middle East, Muslims and Muslim Americans often face such hostility, bias and even violence. With the continued scrutiny and conflict with Israel since 2023, ADL has tracked an uptick…
Important Books to Explore Bullying and Ally Behavior
Tools and Strategies
While bullying is still a problem in schools, the intersection of bias and bullying can be particularly harmful. Identity-based bullying is when a person is targeted based on an essential part of their identity (e.g., race, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, or gender identity). It is common in schools and not only impacts the targeted person but everyone else around them that shares their identity. Identity-based bullying can leave all students feeling unsafe and fearful that…
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Speech on Campus
Tools and Strategies
What is the source of our free speech rights? Free speech rights emanate from the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution[1] and from state constitutions. The U.S. Constitution limits the government’s ability to regulate speech based on content and it applies to all public colleges and universities. It serves as a floor, not a ceiling. State constitutions may grant more robust free speech rights than the U.S. Constitution, but never fewer. Is there a distinction between private and…
What Bullying Is and Is Not (In English and en Español)
Tools and Strategies
Table Talk: Family Conversations About Current EventsBullying is a phrase we hear regularly and often: in the media, on TV shows and movies, in schools and in conversations among both adults and children. Parents, students and schools are rightfully worried about bullying. It is a problem and cause for concern but may not be as widespread as many think because the term “bullying” is often used as an umbrella to describe all kinds of mean behavior—from a rude comment to a…
11 Ways Schools Can Help Students Feel Safe in Challenging Times (In English and en Español)
Tools and Strategies
In recent years, we have seen alarming images and biased language in schools and universities: name-calling, hate-filled taunts, vandalism, racial slurs and epithets, offensive graffiti on desks and bathroom walls. In addition, many young people—especially those whose identities have been targeted publicly with words and actions—are fearful and worried. Teachers have had to work overtime to console those students and provide resources to get help. Schools must be places where…