Example: A professor repeatedly calls on you to “defend” Israel or represent Israel’s perspectives in discussions because you wear a Jewish star or otherwise display your Jewish identity.

STEP 1: DOCUMENT THE INCIDENT(S)

Record each instance where the professor has singled you out for your Jewish/Zionist identity. If the class session was recorded, save that recording as evidence. Include specific details such as dates, what was said, the context of the discussion, and any specific comments that connect the request to your Jewish identity or Zionist views. If permitted by university policy, consider recording your professor as additional evidence. Note: universities may have their own policies regarding consent for recordings, even in one-party consent states. Make sure to follow university policy. If the incident is recurring, make sure to specify. Also, be prepared to explain why you believe they are motivated by your Jewish/Zionist identity.

STEP 2: ADDRESS THE PROFESSOR PRIVATELY (OPTIONAL AND CONTEXT-DEPENDENT)

If you feel safe and comfortable, consider requesting a private meeting with the professor to discuss your concerns. During the conversation, focus on the specific incident, making sure to explain why it was harmful. During the meeting, make sure to take detailed notes of what you and the professor say. After the meeting, send a recap email describing what was discussed so you have a paper trail. Below, you will find an email template to help you request this meeting.

📩Click here for a draft you can use to request an initial meeting with your professor 📩

Ideally, Step 2 will resolve the issue, and you won’t need to go further.

STEP 3: ATTEMPT TO GAIN ALLYSHIP FROM OTHER STUDENT WITNESSES

If you are comfortable and have trusted peers in your class, consider approaching them to see if they noticed the behavior as well. If you can’t find a witness and/or if the witness is not strong enough to help, you shouldn’t be dissuaded. Support from trusted peers can be especially helpful in the event that you do not have a paper trail or recording of the incident.

Start by sharing what happened in factual terms. For example, you might say:

“I noticed that the professor disproportionately calls me out to ask about Israel. Is that something you noticed too?”

Encourage open dialogue and invite questions to help your peers understand why this issue matters.  Be patient and avoid assumptions about their knowledge or stance. Some may be unaware that the professor’s actions are inappropriate or discriminatory. 

If the student has noticed that behavior, ask them if they would consider writing down what they saw and heard. Having another student’s perspective on the issue might help paint a fuller picture of what happened for the professor in question, for any department heads, and/or for administration later on. If they express support or agree to help, provide a witness statement template they can complete and sign to add credibility and consistency to your report. A sample template for this purpose is provided down below.

🔗Click here to find a Witness Statement Template 🔗

To create your own Witness Statement, go to ‘File’ - ‘Make Copy’

STEP 4: REPORT THE INCIDENT

Submit a detailed report to your university’s official bias incident reporting system. Include all supporting documentation: your detailed incident records, recordings (if permitted), signed witness forms, and any other relevant documents. In your report, highlight the impact these incidents have on your ability to fully participate in class and the overall learning environment. Typically, bias issues related to Israel should be labeled as an issue of “shared ancestry” and/or “national origin.” You can also mark religious discrimination, but in the context of Israel, prioritize the former options.

STEP 5: ESCALATE TO THE DEPARTMENT HEAD AND/OR DEAN

If addressing the issue with your professor and filing a report doesn’t resolve the problem, schedule a meeting with the department chair or academic dean. Even if the issue is resolved directly with your professor, it is still important to formally report the incident to the department to ensure accountability. If you feel comfortable, this conversation can also be an opportunity to discuss broader solutions. Below, you will find an email template for requesting a meeting with the academic department head.

📩Click here for a draft you can use to schedule a meeting with your Department Head or Dean 📩

STEP 6: FOLLOW UP WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR VIA EMAIL

After you meet with the department chair or dean, send a follow-up email summarizing the discussion. Include a detailed outline of the next steps the administrator agreed to take to ensure accountability. This follow-up also serves as an official written record of the conversation. A template for the follow-up email is provided below.

📩Click here for a draft you can use to follow up with administration 📩