Rights body condemns anti-Semitism on campus

Anti-Semitism on campuses is a “serious problem” that merits a campaign to inform Jewish students of their rights, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights said.

The commission came to its decision Monday after considering testimony last year from the American Jewish Congress, the Zionist Organization of America, the Institute for Jewish and Community Research and other groups.

The commission cited anti-Israeli propaganda appearing on campuses that exploits ancient stereotypes.

It recommended that the Education Department run a campaign to inform Jewish students of their right to be free of harassment and that it should collect data on anti-Semitic and other hate crimes at universities.

The commission also concluded that there is “substantial evidence” that some university departments of Middle East studies “may repress legitimate debate concerning Israel.”