Indiana has taken a firm step to combat antisemitism within its borders, particularly across college campuses. Governor Mike Braun, amid national concern, signed an executive order directing the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to meticulously review the antisemitism policies and responses of state universities. This order follows an increase in antisemitic incidents that coincided with an October 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel.
Braun's move, detailed in the State of Indiana's official press release linked here, underscores a broader wave of intolerance that has been especially pronounced on university grounds. "A wave of antisemitism across the country began over a year ago with the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel, with universities often at the epicenter of these incidents," Governor Mike Braun was quoted, as saying in the official release. "With this executive order, we are making it clear that Indiana will not tolerate antisemitic discrimination at our state institutions, or anywhere else — Jewish Hoosiers should know the state of Indiana condemns antisemitism and stands with them."
The fresh scrutiny on higher education institutes comes also in the wake of action from the Trump administration. Echoing Indiana's stance, President Trump's Department of Education issued a warning earlier this week. It reminded universities of their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, to safeguard Jewish students on their campuses. The parallel between state and federal actions serves to amplify the message against discrimination and harassment based on religious background.
With antisemitism being a persistent challenge, Braun's executive order illustrates a tangible step towards reinforcing state support for Jewish communities and Israel. The directive reiterates a dedication to condemning, and taking action against discrimination against Jewish Hoosiers. It strongly aligns with Indiana’s longstanding solidarity with its Jewish residents, and the state’s alliance with Israel. As initiatives across various governmental tiers take shape, the attention turns now to the outcomes of these policy reviews, and more critically, to their implementation in creating safer and more inclusive educational environments.
