Janice Lozano
The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW-Madison) has a significant Jewish student population, with estimates ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 Jewish undergraduates, constituting 11% to 13% of the undergraduate student body. Additionally, there are about 1,000 Jewish graduate students, representing 8% of the graduate student population. The university hosts various Jewish organizations and resources, including Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies. While there have been reports of antisemitism on campus, the university administration has taken steps to address these issues and support the Jewish community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Jewish undergraduate students | 4,000 (11% of the undergraduate student body) |
| Number of Jewish graduate students | 1,000 (8% of the graduate student population) |
| Total number of Jewish students | 5,000 |
| Jewish student organizations | Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies |
| Incidents of antisemitism | Yes, including antisemitic messages written in chalk, rocks being thrown at a vigil supporting Israel, students disrupting Hillel Hanukkah celebrations, and vandalism |
| University response to antisemitism | The University administration has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community, worked with campus police when incidents have been reported, and clarified protest policies and consequences for violations of the student code of conduct. |
| Housing for Jewish students | Historically, Jewish students were often left to find housing in boarding houses and private residence halls due to priority being given to Wisconsin residents in public housing. |
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What You'll Learn
Jewish student population at University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a significant Jewish student population, with estimates ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 Jewish undergraduates, comprising around 11-13% of the undergraduate student body. Additionally, there are approximately 1,000 Jewish graduate students, making up about 8% of the graduate student population.
The University recognises and supports the Jewish student community. The UW Hillel Foundation, established in 1924, is a key organisation that serves Jewish students on campus. It provides a home for more than 5,000 Jewish students and offers a range of programs, classes, and immersive experiences to foster Jewish life and identity. The Foundation also partners with other Jewish organisations in Madison, such as the Jewish Federation of Madison and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
The University has taken steps to address antisemitism on campus and has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community. They have worked with campus police to address incidents and clarified protest policies. Additionally, they have engaged with Hillel to provide training for faculty and staff on antisemitism and Jewish identity.
While there have been reports of antisemitic incidents, including graffiti and disruptions of Jewish events, some Jewish students have expressed feeling safe and supported on campus. The University's efforts to foster Jewish life and address antisemitism reflect a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for Jewish students.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Jewish student population is not just large in numbers but also actively contributes to Jewish life on campus and receives support from the University administration and organisations like the UW Hillel Foundation.
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History of antisemitism at the university
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a significant Jewish student population, with 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students (11% of the undergraduate body) and 1,000 Jewish graduate students (8% of graduates). The university hosts a range of Jewish organisations, including Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organisations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies. Despite this, there is a history of antisemitism at the university.
In the early 20th century, UW-Madison was seen as a tolerant alternative to Ivy League schools, which had begun to implement Jewish student quotas. By 1930, ten per cent of the student population was Jewish. However, these students faced housing discrimination and were often publicly attacked in the campus press and by faculty members. During this time, there was also tension between East Coast Jews and Midwestern Jews, with the former becoming a target for those opposed to radicalism.
In 1938, outgoing editor Morton Newman, a New York Jew, appointed Richard Davis, also a New York Jew, as his successor for the Cardinal. The conservative student-faculty board that oversaw the Cardinal overruled this choice, leading Jewish students to claim that antisemitism had flared up again. Faculty advisors to the Cardinal were quoted using antisemitic rhetoric, stating, "It's time the American kids on this campus were given a chance," and, "You Jewish kids have had everything your own way; why do you keep asking for more?"
Antisemitism continues to be an issue at UW-Madison. In 2022, antisemitic messages were written in chalk on the first day of classes, calling Jewish students "racist" and "genocidal". The university has also documented other antisemitic incidents, including rocks being thrown at a vigil supporting Israel, students disrupting Hillel Hanukkah celebrations, and vandalism. There is also an active Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at the university, which has equated Zionism to racism and genocide.
In response to these incidents, the university administration has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community and worked with campus police to address reported incidents. They have also clarified protest policies and participated in Hillel's Campus Climate Initiative to address antisemitism on campus.
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Jewish student housing at the university
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a significant Jewish student population, with 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students, comprising 11% of the undergraduate body, and 1,000 Jewish graduate students, making up 8% of graduate students. While the university offers various resources and organisations for Jewish students, the history of housing at UW-Madison reveals past challenges for Jewish students in securing equitable housing.
In the past, UW-Madison's housing practices resulted in the segregation and discrimination against Jewish students. For instance, the University Housing Bureau prioritised in-state Wisconsin students, who were predominantly white Christians, over out-of-state Jewish and minority students. Additionally, when Jewish and minority students obtained housing, they were often intentionally segregated within specific dormitories. The housing bureau actively steered Black women towards certain dormitories and away from others, demonstrating a pattern of discriminatory practices.
Today, UW-Madison offers a range of housing options for its diverse student body, including residence halls, apartment communities for graduate students, students with families, and faculty and staff. While the university does not explicitly offer Jewish student housing, it provides a supportive environment through organisations like Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organisations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies. These organisations work to foster community and provide resources for Jewish students on campus.
Despite these positive steps, it is important to acknowledge the historical challenges faced by Jewish students in securing equitable housing at UW-Madison. The university has taken measures to address discrimination and foster an inclusive environment for all students, including condemning antisemitic incidents and participating in initiatives like Hillel’s Campus Climate Initiative to promote understanding and respect for Jewish students' identities.
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Jewish student organizations at the university
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a large Jewish student population, with 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students (11% of the undergraduate student body) and 1,000 Jewish graduate students (8% of the graduate student population). The university hosts several Jewish student organizations, including:
Hillel
The Hillel Foundation at the University of Wisconsin hosts over 75 programs per semester. These include a Distinguished Lecture Series, theatre productions, intramural sports, Holocaust Remembrance events, Israel speakers and workshops, a Kosher food program, Jewish learning opportunities, ethical debates, and social activities. Hillel also emphasizes leadership development, encouraging students to create and lead their own groups.
Chabad
Chabad is a Jewish student organization present at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jewish Greek Life Organizations
The University of Wisconsin-Madison also has Jewish Greek life organizations.
George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies
The George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center is a Jewish student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Challah for Hunger (UW-Madison chapter)
Challah for Hunger is a registered student group that bakes and sells 100 loaves of challah each week, with proceeds going to the AJWS's Sudan Relief and Advocacy Fund and a local organization of the group's choosing.
Alternative Break Programs
Hillel's Alternative Break trips provide students with the opportunity to give back to the global community while connecting with other UW students. Past trips have included Israel, Argentina, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, and Rwanda.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has also documented some antisemitic incidents, including disruptions of Hillel Hanukkah celebrations. The university administration has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community and has worked with campus police to address these issues.
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University's response to antisemitism
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a large Jewish student population, with 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students (11% of the undergraduate student body) and 1,000 Jewish graduate students (8% of the graduate student population). The university has a Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organisations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies.
In 2022, antisemitic messages were written in chalk on campus, and the University has also documented some antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, including rocks being thrown at a vigil supporting Israel, students disrupting Hanukkah celebrations, and vandalism. In January 2024, more than 230 UW-Madison faculty, staff, and graduate students signed a statement against conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The University administration has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community, worked with campus police when incidents have been reported, and participated in Hillel's Campus Climate Initiative. They have also engaged Hillel to facilitate training for faculty and staff on antisemitism and the Jewish identity.
UW-Madison has a strong commitment to supporting its Jewish students and fostering a sense of belonging. They have taken steps to create a welcoming campus environment, free from discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism. The university has clarified protest policies and consequences for violations of the student code of conduct, which includes antisemitism. They have also created a new Policy on Institutional and Public Position Statements to limit the number of public statements made on behalf of the university.
UW-Madison is one of 60 universities under investigation for antisemitic discrimination and harassment. The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) sent letters to these universities, warning them of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations to protect Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The University of Wisconsin administration has stated that it condemns antisemitism in all its forms and is cooperating with any inquiries or requests for information from the OCR.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, making up 11% of the undergraduate student body. There are also 1,000 Jewish graduate students, making up 8% of the graduate student population.
The University of Wisconsin has a long history of Jewish students on campus. In 1923, Harvard University restricted the number of Jewish students, and other Ivy League schools followed suit. However, the University of Wisconsin did not implement a quota, and its enrollment of Jewish students increased. In 1924, there were 300 Jewish students at the university, and this number has grown to 5,000 today.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been ranked as one of the best schools for Jewish students in the nation. It offers a variety of resources and organizations for Jewish students, including Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the George L. Mosse/Laurence A. Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies. However, there have been reports of antisemitic incidents on campus, including graffiti and vandalism. The university administration has made statements in solidarity with the Jewish community and has taken steps to address these issues.
