Jewish Life and Antisemitism Initiative
The Jewish Life and Antisemitism Initiative is a group of individuals from across the university community and its affiliated campus partners who are engaged with Jewish concerns and committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment where all members of our community can study, work, engage, and thrive. Specifically, we are dedicated to reducing bias and promoting tolerance so as to ensure that the concerns of Jewish students, faculty, and staff are addressed with appropriate seriousness, respect, and support. JLAI’s goal is to partner closely with university administration to advance efforts that address antisemitism on campus in informed, responsible, and inclusive ways.
Addressing Antisemitism
The Jewish Life and Antisemitism Initiative seeks to promote tolerance and reduce bias against Jews in all its forms on campus.
Harassment or discrimination targeted against any community member on campus is unacceptable.
To report suspicious or threatening behavior on campus, including suspected discrimination or harassment, contact the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Offices (ECRT) or by calling 734-763-0235. Reporting is private but not confidential, which means ECRT may need to share information with other university officials.
For all campus emergencies: Dial 911.
Actions & Outcomes
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute emerged out of the Jewish Life and Antisemitism Initiative, and members of the group continue to serve on the Wallenberg Institute’s Executive Committee and in its leadership. The Wallenberg Institute and the Jewish Life Initiative continue to collaborate on public programming, advocacy, and education around antisemitism.
Advocated for and helped establish guidelines around religious accommodations that have resulted in the new Classroom Religious Accommodations Policy announced by the Provost on September 4, 2025.
Created campus-wide informational flyers about Jewish holidays and how to support students, faculty, and staff who celebrate them.
Initiated and supports public programs on Jewish experience at the University of Michigan
Related Campus Resources
Religious, Secular and Spiritual Life
Email: info@umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-INFO
Raoul Wallenberg Institute
Email: wallenberginstitute@umich.edu
Michigan Hillel
Email: michiganhillel@umich.edu
Phone: (734) 769-0500
Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
Email: JudaicStudies@umich.edu
Phone: (734) 763-9047
Jewish Communal Leadership Program
Email: jclp.info@umich.edu
Phone: (734) 936-0961
FAQ
The Jewish Life and Antisemitism Initiative is a University-wide coalition of organizations committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment where all members of our community can study, work, engage, and thrive.
In short, no. This initiative seeks to educate the campus community about antisemitism—prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people—broadly defined, rather than use any particular definition.
Certain organizations have developed specific definitions of antisemitism, such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of Antisemitism, the Nexus Document, and the Jerusalem Declaration.
To report suspicious or threatening behavior on campus, including suspected discrimination or harassment, contact the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Offices (ECRT) here or by calling 734-763-0235. Reporting is private but not confidential, which means ECRT may need to share information with other university officials.
To anonymously report a compliance or ethical concern, use the Ethics, Integrity, & Compliance (EICO) office’s Compliance Hotline.
For all campus emergencies: Dial 911.
Check out our Jewish Campus Resources page to learn more about organizations on campus that serve or support Jewish students, faculty, and staff.