Federation CJA on Campus
Federation CJA on Campus
Antisemitism: What to Do?
How to File a Complaint
Frequently Asked Questions
Dos and Don’ts

WHAT TO DO IF AN ANTISEMITIC INCIDENT HAPPENS ON YOUR CAMPUS

Protocol for Reporting Incidents on Campus: To effectively address antisemitism on Montreal campuses, it's crucial to recognize that only students have the standing to take action by following a well-defined protocol:

  1. Ensure Personal Safety: 

    Call 911 or campus security in case of threats to safety.

  2. Document the Incident: 

    Capture a detailed account of the incident, including photos or screenshots.

  3. File a Complaint with the School: 

    Directly report the incident to the school, with the option of seeking assistance from Hillel. Refer to the resource grid for your school's policies, complaint procedures, and available support resources.

  4. Report the Incident: 

    Report the incident to the Community Security Network at (514) 343-4343 or online. Understand that many incidents go underreported, but it's crucial for students to contribute to the documentation.

  5. Involve the Police: 

    If the incident qualifies as a hate crime, consider filing a police report by visiting your local police station in person. If the incident qualifies as a hate incident (but not a hate crime) use the SPVM’s online reporting system for hate incidents, providing images only. Reference the SPVM webpage to determine whether the event is classified as a hate crime or a hate incident. 

  6. Engage Ombudsperson if Issue Persists: 

    If the issue persists, seek the support of the ombudsperson for each university. Refer to the resource grid for your school's student ombudsperson. 

  7. Hillel Escalation: 

    Hillel remains a resource to escalate concerns if students are dissatisfied with the resolution. Remember, as students, you have the standing to address antisemitism on campus. 

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

Antisemitism and hate have no place on campus. If you are the victim of an antisemitic incident on campus and there is any threat to your safety, first call 911 or campus security. Then, make a complaint to the school.

Each school has a procedure for filing a complaint. Consult the below grid to learn your school’s policies, information on how to file a complaint and support resources in place for each University and CEGEP.

If you’re not satisfied with what the school does, contact the school’s Student Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson is an independent person whose responsibilities include assisting students and investigating and giving an opinion on complaints made to the school. If, after exhausting all the above-mentioned avenues, you still feel like your case has not been dealt with, inform your Hillel professional to help escalate the matter through other channels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I do if there's a threat to my safety?

What do I do if a teacher abuses their podium to promote hate in their classroom, on campus or on social media?

What to do if you see Jewish/pro-Israel posters or content being removed on campus?

How is Federation CJA collaborating with law enforcement to ensure community safety?

What to do if you see hateful flyers on campus?

Is it safe to wear my religious symbol (kippa, magen david) on campus?

I’m organizing an event for Jewish students. How can I ensure we’re safe?

What do I do if I’m harassed on campus?

What do I do if a news reporter approaches me?

What laws in Canada address antisemitic hate propaganda?

Where can I find mental health support on campus?

Where can I find resources on Israel's history and the current war?

Protesters chanted “Globalize the Intifada” – and claim it’s a form of resistance. Can I complain about this to my university? How do I explain the meaning behind this chant?

Is it appropriate to file an incident report if a teacher addresses the situation in Gaza and Palestine, offering support to students, but does not mention the attack in Israel or the hostages?

Why is Hillel not represented/official club at certain CEGEP campuses (i.e. Dawson and Marianopolis)? Why don’t we have a club room while other student groups do?

 

DOS AND DON’TS OF DEALING WITH AN ANTISEMITIC INCIDENT

  • DO call campus security or 911

    immediately if there is any threat to your safety or that of your fellow students.

  • DO report the incident

    to a campus authority through your campus’s incident reporting system. Even if campus security determines that the action was not illegal, you are ensuring that some type of follow-up will take place. Also report the incident to your local campus Hillel staff. By sharing incidents with us, you enable national organizations that track antisemitism to provide support, identify patterns and trends, and confirm that CEGEP and universities are working to ensure that all students feel safe and included on campus.

  • DO document the incident.

    If you discover antisemitic graffiti or posters, take a photo of the scene. If you see something online, take a screenshot. Try to understand if the perpetrator of the incident was a student or faculty or someone from off campus. That will make a difference in how campus security and the administration respond to the matter.

  • DO ask your university administration to issue a statement

    about what happened, explicitly condemning the antisemitism. In most cases, they will do so without being asked. If no statement has been issued, organize a group of students and faculty to make this request. A strong statement that specifically names the action as antisemitism goes a long way toward making it clear that the school will not tolerate acts of hate.

  • DO make sure your university trains staff

    (campus security staff, residence life advisors, administrators and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professionals) and campus leaders (student government and others) on how to recognize antisemitism and how it can be exhibited on campus – including through some anti-Israel activity. Hillel can be helpful in advising your university and conducting appropriate training.

  • DON’T use hateful language to respond.

    Your goal should be to show why bias is hurtful, not to even the score. Sharing the impact of your lived experiences with antisemitism is powerful.

  • DON’T take matters into your own hands.

    If someone puts up antisemitic fliers, for example, do not remove them without approval from your university. DO take photos of the fliers as evidence.

  • DON’T give up.

    Change can be slow and requires sustained effort. There may be setbacks along the way, but perseverance can help create a safer and more equitable educational experience for yourself, your fellow students and future cohorts for years to come.

Remember, you are NEVER alone.

Back to top