Campus Climate Update 4

CAMPUS CLIMATE UPDATE #4
November 1, 2024

As a dedicated supporter of Maryland Hillel and Jewish life on campus, I’m writing to share an update that another divestment bill was submitted to the University of Maryland’s Student Government Association. This bill is set for a vote on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

While we defeated a similar bill in Spring 2024, as well as comparable resolutions in October 2017 and April 2019, the members of the student legislature are different now than they were before, and the climate has shifted.     

Once again, we will unite as a pro-Israel Jewish community to oppose BDS efforts on our campus.           Maryland Hillel is fortunate to have exceptional pro-Israel students who are preparing diligently for this moment. Our student leaders, together with dozens of Hillel-affiliated students and campus and community organizations, have shown immense dedication to this cause.

• Hundreds of students have been mobilized to participate in three SGA committees evaluating the bill: Student Affairs; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civics and Government. These committees will give either a positive or negative review of the bill and our pro-Israel students are prepared to vote against the on this coming Monday, November 4.
• A large group of students also plan to attend the SGA meeting on Wednesday, November 6 to provide testimony, as they did in 2017, 2019, and earlier this year.
• Maryland Hillel has also been in touch with organizations including the Baltimore Jewish Council, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore.

Maryland Hillel deeply appreciates the support of all those who have reached out to offer support. We have created a fund to address antisemitism on campus, which will support educational efforts and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of antisemitism and the impact of BDS campaigns. Our primary role is to support, guide, and empower students in their efforts to oppose this bill within the SGA process.

Maryland Hillel is incredibly proud of our students’ resilience, dedication, and passion as they work tirelessly to combat this anti-Israel resolution.

On its surface, this bill targets the university’s investment portfolio, but campaigns like this are truly intended to normalize extreme hatred of Israel and target Jewish students and organizations on our campus. In more than a decade of anti-Israel student government campaigns, not one single university in the United States has ever altered their investment strategy, ended contracts with Israeli vendors, or canceled academic partnerships with universities in Israel. BDS campaigns are not about shaping university policy—they are about normalizing antisemitism and introducing hate and division on campus.

Antisemitic student government legislation ensures that no matter who wins the vote, everyone on campus loses. These votes marginalize Jewish students who have been under increasing threat from sharply rising antisemitism, and divide friends, peers, and campus communities while leaving little space for good-faith dialogue across difference. Divestment hurts campus communities, and the students they serve. Instead, we encourage investment: Investment in community building, investment in education, and investment in real dialogue and learning.

Our Hillel is proud to offer students opportunities to learn, think critically, and come together as a community in support and love for Israel. We continue look forward to refocusing on our mission to foster strong Jewish identities, vibrant Jewish life, and a deep connection to Israel among the 5,800 Jewish students on campus.

Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom,

Ari