Rutgers University

Rutgers University, established in 1766, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, it has a rich history of academic excellence and a diverse student body. Very recently, Rutgers has become a focal point for tension and division due to the protests around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This has led to significant campus unrest, antisemitism and support for terrorism. 

Protests and Incidents at Rutgers 

Rutgers has witnessed a series of protests that have caused chaos on campus, as well as a spike in antisemitism and support for terrorists from the Middle East.

Pro-Hamas Encampment (April-May 2024)

• Initiation of the Encampment: On April 25, 2024, students and faculty established the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” on campus, which has become a center for indoctrination into extremist movements on campus that prop up terrorist organization Hamas and their antisemitic rhetoric.  

• Faculty Involvement: Ignoring the incitement of hate and terror, some faculty members organized a walkout in solidarity with the protesters, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and supporting student “activism”. 

• Dismantling of the Encampment: On May 10, 2024, the encampment was dismantled by students after several demands from campus faculty members.  

Rise of Antisemitism at Rutgers 

The university has faced criticism for fostering an environment where antisemitism has been reported, leading to concerns among Jewish students and faculty. 

Incidents of Antisemitism

• Antisemitic Graffiti (December 2023): Swastikas and anti-Israel slogans were found on campus, raising concerns about hate speech and intolerance. 

• Student Harassment Cases (2023/2024): There have been 300 complaints of antisemitic and anti-zionist vandalism, doxing and harassment.  

• Destruction of Jewish Spaces (2024): There were reported cases of vandalism against a Jewish fraternity, a Jewish student’s dorm room and the Bildner Center for Jewish Studies. 

Incidents of Property Damage 

• Administrative Building Vandalism (May 2024): During the attempted occupation, activists spray-painted pro-Hamas slogans on the building, resulting in property damage. 

• Destruction of Campus Tents (April 2024): Protesters dismantled and destroyed university property while setting up the Gaza encampment, leading to administrative concerns. 

Pro-Hamas Groups & Faculty Involvement 

Several student and faculty groups at Rutgers have been active in pro-Hamas advocacy. 

Student Organizations

• Rutgers Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): A prominent extremist student group fully backing Hamas and showing high degrees of antisemitism. They were banned in April 2024 for violating university policies during protests. 

Faculty Involvement

• Rutgers Faculty for Justice in Palestine (RFJP): A collective of extremists’ faculty members supporting chaos on campus, involved in organizing events and protests, and participating in legal actions concerning academic freedom. 

Notable Faculty Members Involved in Pro-Palestinian Activism

• Professor Deepa Kumar: A professor of journalism and media studies, Kumar has not been shy with her extremist views and has participated in various campus events advocating for divestment from Israel. 

• Professor Jasbir Puar: A professor of women’s and gender studies, Puar has criticized U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and has supported student-led initiatives calling for the university to reconsider its investments related to Israel. 

• Professor Noura Erakat: A professor of Africana studies, Erakat has written extensively on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been involved in campus discussions promoting Palestinian perspectives. 

As of Today 

Rutgers University, once a symbol of academic progress and free speech, has increasingly become a battleground for extremist activism, antisemitism, and campus hostility. Jewish students face growing threats, while radical faculty members fuel the unrest with anti-Israel rhetoric and active protest participation. The administration’s failure to curb antisemitic incidents has placed Rutgers under federal scrutiny and widespread public criticism. 

With escalating tensions, ongoing arrests, and external investigations, Rutgers must now decide whether it will take action to restore campus stability or continue allowing extremist groups to dominate university life.