In a move that underscores rising antisemitism on Canadian campuses, McGill University's School of Business was compelled to switch to online classes on February 22nd due to a blockade by anti-Israel protesters. The protest, spearheaded by a Palestinian campus group, is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying pattern of increased antisemitism at Canadian universities since October 7th. This surge in hostilities has sparked significant concern among educational institutions, advocacy groups, and the broader community about the safety and inclusivity of academic environments for all students.

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a prominent organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and promoting peace, published a revealing report on February 16th, 2023, that sheds light on the severity of the situation. The report meticulously documents instances of antisemitic acts, ranging from intimidation to outright violence against Jewish students. Disturbingly, these incidents appear to be part of a broader trend of antisemitism on campuses, raising questions about the effectiveness of current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs implemented by universities.

AGPI's findings are alarming and have led to a stark evaluation of university campuses across Canada. Prestigious institutions such as York University, the University of Toronto, and Concordia University received failing grades for their campus safety environments, highlighting a concerning lack of protection and support for Jewish students. Other universities, including the University of Victoria, Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Lethbridge, fared slightly better but still received poor marks, indicating significant room for improvement.

Dr. Neil Orlowsky, Director of Education at AGPI, emphasized the importance of these findings for parents and prospective students on a podcast with the Canadian Jewish News. He advises families to consider these safety grades when selecting a university, underscoring the need for educational institutions to take decisive action in addressing antisemitism and fostering a more inclusive campus culture. The report not only highlights the urgent need for universities to reevaluate and enhance their DEI programs but also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in combating hate and promoting a safer, more welcoming academic environment for every student.