The University of California's governing board on Thursday adopted a statement condemning anti-Semitic behavior and a companion report urging campus leaders to confront intolerant anti-Zionism activism.
The actions come amid growing campus tensions between Israeli supporters and backers of Palestinian rights. Some Jewish groups say they are concerned that anti-Semitic behavior is increasing because of the highly emotional debate. The groups last year urged the 10-campus UC system to affirm its opposition to anti-Semitism.
The declaration makes the University of California the first public university system to reaffirm its opposition to anti-Semitic behavior since campaigns for academic and economic boycotts of Israel have taken root on many U.S. college campuses.
Pro-Palestinian groups and faculty members with research specialties in the Middle East were upset that anti-Semitism was the only type of intolerance specifically mentioned in the principles at a time when Muslims in the U.S. increasingly face discrimination.