{"id":21668,"date":"2023-11-03T20:54:12","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T20:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/?page_id=21668"},"modified":"2024-07-24T16:16:01","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T16:16:01","slug":"protecting-student-mental-health-in-the-face-of-antisemitism-and-islamophobia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/protecting-student-mental-health-in-the-face-of-antisemitism-and-islamophobia\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Student Mental Health in the Face of Antisemitism and Islamophobia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

With the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, instances of antisemitism and Islamophobia have risen rapidly in the United States, including at colleges and universities across the country.<\/p>\n

College campuses have long been homes for student activism and academic debate. The past year has been no exception. Campus leaders have been faced with the challenge of balancing students\u2019 rights for free speech with protecting student safety. Many protests have been nonviolent, but some students have experienced hostile environments, hate speech, and incidents of violence based on perceived or actual religious affiliation or nationality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The attacks threaten students\u2019 sense of safety and well-being. <\/span>Recent research from Penn State\u2019s Center for Collegiate Mental Health<\/span><\/a> found that experiencing discrimination was strongly related to increased general distress, social isolation, and suicidal ideation.<\/span><\/p>\n

To protect the mental health of all students, The Jed Foundation (JED) suggests colleges and universities take the following actions to engage students and support their mental health during this time and beyond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Communicate Clearly\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In moments of uncertainty and fear, letting students know the measures being taken to keep them safe can bring relief and bolster feelings of safety and security.<\/span><\/p>\n

Share Enhanced Safety and Security Measures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Physical and virtual safety is critical to students\u2019 mental health and emotional well-being. Students should feel safe when they enter classrooms, move through campus, and engage online. Without a sense of physical safety, learning is not possible and mental health declines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As campuses make decisions about measures to protect students, they should be clearly communicated to the campus community. Expectations about student conduct \u2014 whether it\u2019s in person or online \u2014 should be made clear at all times through prominent dissemination of current and enhanced code-of-conduct and anti-harassment policies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Disseminate Policies for Reporting Bias Incidents<\/span><\/h3>\n

Clearly define for students what constitutes discrimination, harassment, hate speech, and violence. Equally as important, articulate and consistently apply bias-response protocols to enable students to take action if they experience or observe violations of the campus policies. When institutions outline these processes, they empower students to respond to a harmful situation and help them feel supported. They also help protect students most at risk and promote a sense of overall campus safety, which influences the experiences of all students, not just those directly affected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Respond to Student Concerns and Distress\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It can be difficult for students to go about their daily lives amid ongoing protests, and they may benefit from help to process their experiences. Students will have different responses, so support can take many forms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Facilitate Listening Sessions\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Help students process their emotions and find appropriate support systems by creating facilitated conversations in which they can come together and share their experiences in a supportive environment. Providing students with an avenue to voice their thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be mindful not to pathologize students who have been affected. Many students pull from sources of strength within their own communities to navigate difficult times in a healthy way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If students express that they feel unsafe, believe them. Validate their feelings, and connect them with appropriate support. Facilitators and students can also be trained to <\/span>watch for signs that young people are struggling<\/span><\/a> and how to connect them to additional support if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have Campus Leadership Play an Active Role<\/span><\/h3>\n

The participation of campus leaders, such as the university president and student council representatives, provides assurance to students that their concerns are being taken seriously and empowers them to advocate for the measures they need to feel safe. Campus leaders are well served by being visible at protests when possible \u2014 engaging in casual dialogue to listen to and validate students\u2019 concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Actively Support Student Mental Health\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Students with direct experience with bias, hate crimes, or violence are at increased risk of mental health symptoms, even if they are not the target of current hateful actions. It\u2019s important to acknowledge, however, that attacks on groups of people on campuses can affect the mental well-being of all students.<\/span><\/p>\n