Urge GMU to stand by the IHRA definition of antisemitism


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Under pressure from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and allied groups, the student government at George Mason University passed a resolution disavowing the IHRA definition of antisemitism. SJP and its allies are also calling for the repeal of IHRA as a required policy for all Virginia universities.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism was signed into law by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2023 and was adopted by GMU last year as part of its response to rampant antisemitism on campus. Urge the GMU administration and Board of Visitors to reiterate their commitment to the IHRA definition of antisemitism and stand up for Jewish students.

To the leadership of George Mason University:

Under pressure from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and allied student groups,  the GMU Undergraduate Representative Body passed a resolution opposing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and advocating for the repeal of IHRA at GMU and all Virginia universities.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism is the most widely accepted definition of antisemitism and is a critical tool for identifying and evaluating antisemitism. The state of Virginia adopted the IHRA definition in 2023, and George Mason University adopted the definition last year as part of its response to rampant antisemitism on campus.

In the last two years, GMU has been linked to an alarming number of antisemitic incidents, including a pro-Hamas encampment on campus; Jewish students being verbally and physically assaulted; weapons, terrorist flags, and signs reading “Death to Jews” being found at the home of GMU SJP leaders; and a GMU student being arrested for allegedly plotting an attack on the Israeli consulate in New York. For these reasons and more, GMU is under federal investigation for antisemitism.

SJP was suspended as a student organization last year; it was reinstated at the start of the Fall 2025 semester, despite posting an antisemitic and threatening video on its Instagram page on August 25, 2025. GMU rightfully demanded SJP take down the video.

Now, with SJP organizing against the IHRA definition in order to further their blatantly threatening and antisemitic conduct, I urge you to publicly reaffirm GMU’s commitment to the IHRA definition of antisemitism and combating all forms of Jew hatred at GMU.

Signed,
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