The principle of tolerance at Brown, encompassing both religion and ideology, is rooted in our charter from 1764, which declares “no religious tests: But, on the contrary, all the members hereof shall forever enjoy full, free, absolute, uninterrupted liberty of conscience” and ensures that “youth of all religious denominations shall and may be freely admitted to the equal advantages, emoluments, and honors.” We are proud to affirm that the University continues to uphold and embody these foundational ideals today—notably reaffirmed by President Paxson in her address at the 2023 Hillel International Summit.
Brown University is home to a vibrant Jewish community that continues to flourish with the steadfast support of the administration. Amidst broader concerns about antisemitism on college campuses, Brown stands out as an inclusive environment where Jewish life is deeply integrated into campus culture. A 2017 initiative to expand the Eruv to encompass Brown’s campus, along with the 2023 establishment of a section in the Ratty dining hall offering Kosher and Halal food options, has made Brown an increasingly welcoming environment for all Jewish students. These efforts have attracted many students from Jewish day schools, fostering a thriving community that enables a sustained daily minyan.
One of the hallmarks of Jewish life at Brown is the strong, collaborative relationship between Hillel and Chabad—an arrangement that is rare among university campuses and central to the fabric of student life here. While no school, including Brown, is perfect, this campus offers a welcoming environment where you can be a proud Jew. This is evident from the Jerusalem Post’s coverage of Brown Varsity Men’s Crew members in 2024, as well as the scrimmage between Brown’s varsity lacrosse team and the Israeli national team following October 7th, 2023.
Central to Judaism is the concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—and Brown exemplifies this principle as a place where intellectual and ideological diversity are embraced. In an environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, it’s inevitable that one will encounter opinions they find deeply troubling or offensive; however, as Ruth Simmons noted in her community address, Brown is “a community grounded in quarrel,” a sentiment reaffirmed by President Christina Paxson in her 2019 rejection of BDS. We are proud to be part of a campus culture that values openness and the free exchange of ideas,—further reflected in Brown’s support for a robust ROTC program, funded scholarships for veterans, and initiatives like the Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics—founded by John Tomasi, now President of Heterodox Academy.
With all of the ongoing discussions about antisemitism on college campuses, one might easily suspect that these environments are disaster zones for Jewish life. At Brown University, this is not the case. Following the encampments in the spring of 2024, a BDS resolution resurfaced and was appropriately processed through campus channels before reaching the Brown Corporation. However, before it could even proceed to the Corporation, the resolution was decisively rejected by a faculty, staff, and student committee with a vote of 8-2-1.
Since then, Brown has remained a peaceful and supportive campus for its Jewish community, as highlighted in The Brown Daily Herald this past November. President Christina Paxson has demonstrated unwavering support for the Brown Jewish community. She has responded to these challenging circumstances with admirable leadership and empathy. Just weeks after the October 7th terrorist attacks, she attended a Chabad dinner with nearly 200 students, underscoring her commitment to supporting Jewish students during a painful and uncertain time.
The numerous signs outlined here paint a clear picture: Brown University is a place where Jewish life not only exists but thrives. While there is more work to be done, Brown, through the dedicated efforts of its administration, leadership, and the resilient spirit of its Jewish community, continues to uphold the principles of inclusion, tolerance, and intellectual freedom that have been central to its identity since 1764.
Brian Moynihan ‘81, Chancellor
Samuel Mencoff ‘78, Chancellor Emeritus
Thomas Tisch ‘76, Chancellor Emeritus
Abby Doft ‘91, Former Board Chair Brown RISD Hillel
Rabbi Joshua Bolton, Executive Director Brown RISD Hillel, Interim Associate
Chaplains of the University
Rabbi Mendel Laufer, Director Chabad of College Hill
Daniel Solomon ‘26, Chair of Brown’s Student Organizing Committee on Antisemitism
Brooke Verschleiser '26, Student President of Chabad on College Hill |
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