Imagine telling your child that they cannot attend their dream school—not because of grades or finances, but because their very identity puts them in danger. That is the heartbreaking reality Jewish families are facing across America in 2025. With antisemitism raging unchecked on college campuses, Jewish students are harassed, threatened, and even forced into hiding. Universities that once stood as beacons of knowledge and opportunity have become battlegrounds of hate.
In response, we call upon Governor Ron DeSantis and Leo Terrell to establish the Sanctuary University Initiative, an urgent solution that will provide out-of-state Jewish students with in-state tuition at schools where they are truly safe and welcomed.
The Sanctuary University Initiative is not just an idea—it is a necessity. Many Jewish students cannot safely attend their home-state universities without fear of intimidation, vandalism, and even physical violence. This program would offer them refuge at institutions that uphold their civil rights, ensuring they can pursue their education without being forced to choose between their safety and their future.
Antisemitism has exploded on campuses across the country. At Columbia University, Jewish students were barricaded inside a library while an angry mob pounded on the doors, screaming threats. At Harvard, Jewish students were spat on while walking to class. At the University of Michigan, students faced death threats for expressing support for Israel. At UC, Berkley a Jewish student was punched in the face. Even at my own state’s flagship university, UVA, Jewish students face intimidation and no longer feel safe. There are many more stories like these. This is not just a crisis—it is a catastrophe.
Who would have thought that in the year 2025, Jews are again forced to live in the shadows? I beg our President of the Unites States and our courageous leaders for help.
Leo Terrell, President Trump’s appointee to lead the Antisemitism Task Force, has been a staunch advocate for Jewish students. I urge him to spearhead this effort, laying the groundwork for Governor DeSantis to take bold action and become the first leader to implement the Sanctuary University Initiative. With his legal expertise and dedication to civil rights, Terrell is uniquely positioned to push forward a national framework for this program, ensuring Jewish students have access to safe educational environments. Governor DeSantis has already demonstrated strong leadership, and I appeal to him to take the next step by setting a precedent for other governors to follow. The Sanctuary University Initiative is a concrete solution that can be implemented now. I implore other governors to follow suit, creating a network of sanctuary universities where Jewish students can learn in peace.
While we are grateful to lawmakers like Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Josh Hawley who have vocally condemned the rising Jew-hatred on campuses and have demanded consequences for universities that allow this vile discrimination to persist, our government has yet to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, leaving Jewish students abandoned.
The time for passive threats of withholding funding from non-compliant schools has passed. We must adopt a zero-tolerance policy: defund institutions that permit antisemitism, prosecute individuals who perpetrate hate crimes, and deport those on visas who violate our laws.
Leo Terrell and Governor DeSantis, I urge you to take up this fight. Jewish students across this country are counting on bold leaders like you to stand up and make history by protecting their right to learn in peace. Until every Jewish student can attend any university in their home state without fear, the Sanctuary University Initiative stands as a beacon of hope.
Elicia Brand is a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, and a mother of three children in high school. She founded, Army of Parents, Inc, an organization dedicated to empowering parents and community leaders to advocate for educational excellence. Army of Parents is headquartered in Loudoun County, Virginia, and comprises parents, citizens, and community leaders. The organization focuses on major issues affecting children and families today, providing resources and tools to help parents advocate effectively.
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