Fighting
Antisemitism at
Northwestern
What is CAAN?
The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) is a dedicated alliance of thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders, including Northwestern students, parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, interfaith partners, government officials, and legal experts. Together we work tirelessly to combat antisemitism, hate and prejudice, championing education and advocacy to promote a safer, more inclusive community.
Share our mission and join us in making a difference.
What is antisemitism?
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as, “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” The IHRA Definition, along with its 11 clarifying examples, is a definitional tool to identify both classic and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. It has been adopted by thousands of organizations and universities across the country but Northwestern University still refuses to accept this definition.
December 11, 2024 Update
Northwestern’s Hypocrisy
A Northwestern University student raised concerns about Northwestern’s hypocrisy when addressing discrimination. Over a month ago, the student emailed President Michael Schill and other administrators, highlighting the university's apparent willingness to issue public statements condemning racism nationwide while remaining silent on incidents of antisemitism on campus and in Chicago.
Despite this communication, Northwestern has yet to respond or address these concerns publicly. The lack of response from the University administration to the student's email also raises questions about transparency and responsiveness to student concerns.
Northwestern's silence on antisemitism on campus and in Chicago, contrasted with its vocal stance on other forms of racism nationwide, underscores a broader issue of perceived inconsistencies and hypocrisy in how Northwestern handles different forms of discrimination.
October 31, 2024 Update
Northwestern Slammed in Congressional Report on Antisemitism
Today, following a thorough investigation that included subpoenaed documents and interviews, the United States Congressional House Committee on Education and the Workforce (full statement here) released a report detailing, in its own words, “a stunning lack of accountability by university leaders for students engaging in antisemitic harassment [and] assault.” (Congressional Report on Antisemitism on College Campuses).
The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) strongly condemns Northwestern University — which is featured prominently throughout the report — for its severe failures to protect its Jewish students.
Key Findings:
Potential Misrepresentation to Congress: “[D]ocuments obtained by the Committee indicate that in contrast to President Schill’s categorical denial in testimony before the Committee, he and other senior Northwestern leaders” considered the encampment’s “demand to hire an anti-Zionist rabbi.” Those “documents also raise serious questions of whether Northwestern may have in fact acceded to this demand, and whether Schill knowingly misled Congress in his testimony.” (pp. 15-18)
Boycotting of Sabra Hummus (co-owned by PepsiCo): Text messages obtained by Congress show that “Provost Hagerty enthusiastically supported . . . the University to appease the students in the encampment by agreeing to boycott Sabra due to its perception as an Israeli product.” (pp. 12-14)
Empowering Activists: “Northwestern, radical faculty members were put in charge of negotiating with their own ideological allies in that campus’ encampment, leading to a stunning capitulation to the encampment leaders’ demands.” (pp. 8-12)
These findings demand swift action to protect Jewish students and ensure equity. As an initial step, Northwestern’s Board of Trustees must begin an immediate overhaul of leadership.
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Read how CAAN has been influencing policy and documenting antisemitic activity at Northwestern.
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CAAN partners with lawmakers, lobbyists, and lawyers to keep Northwestern a safe, discrimination-free campus.
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Make sure to document all examples of antisemitic incidents that you see on and off campus.
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CAAN Partners
Thank you to CAAN’s partners, who provide guidance and support, and complement our work toward eradicating antisemitism at Northwestern University.
Please visit their websites to see for yourself what valuable resources they are to Northwestern University and the greater Jewish community.
