Education
Northwestern Receives Anonymous Donation to Expand Jewish Studies Amid Federal Antisemitism Investigation
(Courtesy of Northwestern University)
Northwestern University is planning to expand and enhance its Jewish studies and student experience on campus through an anonymous donation, amid ongoing investigations by the Trump administration into allegations the university engaged in “antisemitic harassment and discrimination.”
While the amount of the donation was not revealed, Northwestern President Michael Schill said the funding will be used to help promote “greater understanding around complex issues that fosters informed, respectful dialogue among students of all backgrounds.”
“Recent events in our world highlight the urgent need for more education about Judaism and the experiences of Jewish people, and an emphasis on making sure Jewish students always feel a sense of belonging at Northwestern,” Schill said in a statement. “The thoughtfulness of the donor and the generosity of this gift will help ensure that is possible.”
The announcement comes more than two months after the U.S. Department of Education threatened “potential enforcement actions” amid its investigation into Northwestern and dozens of other universities over allegations of discrimination and harassment targeting Jewish students.
The university has said it is complying fully with that investigation.
And earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched its own investigation into what it referred to as a “prestigious Midwest university” over a complaint regarding the school’s “actions to maintain a campus climate, academic direction, and institutional policy that ensures nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin.”
Northwestern has reportedly confirmed it is the university at the center of this investigation.
According to the university, Northwestern’s Jewish studies program focuses on the study of Jewish history, identity and culture, and offers a major and minor with classes on canonical Jewish texts, Jewish philosophy and literature, Holocaust studies, Hebrew and Yiddish language instruction, and the history and politics of the state of Israel.
The anonymous donor intends for their gift to be used to provide a “broad spectrum of support” for both Jewish and non-Jewish students at Northwestern, the university said, including more opportunities for students to learn about Jewish culture, while “enhancing understanding of Jewishness and ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging on campus.”
The new donation will help expand teaching and allow for more students to enroll in these courses. The funding will also be used to grow events and programming in collaboration with Northwestern Hillel, a religious organization that fosters Jewish community at the university.
“We strive to create a vibrant atmosphere that engages and inspires young adults and that celebrates Jewish identity and community,” Michael Simon, executive director of Northwestern Hillel, said in a statement. “By fostering a deeper understanding of Judaism, we prepare students to be more educated members of their communities, both here on campus and throughout their lives.”
