As anti-Semitism on college campuses rises, the perpetrators often hide behind the claim that they are merely criticizing Israeli policies. Thus, argues Kenneth Marcus, if universities wish to oppose anti-Semitism, they must be able to identify it:
Definitions are especially important for contemporary anti-Semitism, because confusion surrounds the relationship between the hatred of Jews and animosity toward Israel. . . . Good definitions not only educate us about how quickly discourse can slip, even unwittingly, into dark corners, but they also foster legitimate intellectual exchanges by increasing awareness about where lines are drawn. This serves the academic interest in robust debate that is central to a university’s mission.
The State Department provides useful examples to understand when conduct is anti-Semitic. The Department uses the . . . “3D test” [coined by Natan Sharansky]. Actions may generally be identified as anti-Semitic when they demonize Israel, delegitimize Israel, or subject Israel to double standards. . . .
As with any standard, the State Department definition should be used judiciously. . . . To say that an incident is hateful is not necessarily to conclude that it must be banned. In some cases, the First Amendment requires public universities to permit bigoted speech. Even then, however, it is important to recognize this speech for what it is.
Read more on JNS: http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2015/7/2/why-universities-need-a-definition-of-anti-semitism