Kean University stands out as a welcoming and proactive campus for Jewish students, recognized for its long-standing commitment to Holocaust education, interfaith dialogue, and efforts to combat antisemitism. Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., who represents the university’s district, co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution in Congress condemning antisemitism on college campuses and praising institutions that take active steps to ensure the safety and dignity of Jewish students. That resolution passed the House in November 2023, reflecting national support for the values Kean upholds.

The university’s Holocaust Resource Center, founded in 1982, celebrated its 40th anniversary as a hub of learning and outreach, educating students and the public about the Holocaust and modern antisemitism. Kean has also hosted impactful events such as the “Stand Up for the Other” forum, uniting civic and cultural leaders to commit to defending targeted communities and speaking out against bigotry.

In contrast to the growing wave of antisemitic incidents at other colleges nationwide, Jewish students at Kean report feeling safe and respected. In student testimonials, Jewish undergraduates described a campus culture focused on academics and career advancement rather than political unrest. One student highlighted Kean’s commuter-school dynamic and diverse student body as factors that contribute to its calm and inclusive environment. Professors have been described as respectful and apolitical in class, and no known antisemitic incidents or protests have been reported on campus in recent years.

Kean University continues to serve as a positive example for how institutions of higher learning can foster environments where Jewish students feel safe, supported, and free to thrive.