Northwestern University announces new steps to crack down on hate speech

Northwestern University announced on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that it will be taking steps to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus in the wake of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel counterprotests last spring. All students will now be required to take a course on antisemitism and other forms of hate when they return to classes in September.

Northwestern University President Michael Schill said that faculty and staff will also undergo mandatory training on antisemitism and other forms of hate.

"There is no room on campus for antisemitism, there is no room for Islamophobia," Schill said in a statement . "There is no room for racism and other forms of identity-based hate."

Northwestern also announced it will unveil its new protest policy in September. One professor arrested during campus demonstrations this year warned that the changes could put students' free speech at risk and said she is seeking guarantees that those rights will be protected in the new rules.

The changes announced by Northwestern come as universities across the country try to avoid disorder caused by some campus protests this year.

Indiana University now requires 10 days advance notice for campus encampments. The school will also limit signage and amplified sound for protests. Meanwhile, the University of Denver has announced an all-out ban on protest tents.

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