This award recognizes students who are combating antisemitism through advocacy and community building. Through their efforts, they make their campus communities a better and more inclusive space for everyone.
Background
Since October 7, 2024, many campuses around the United States have seen a shocking rise in antisemitism. Gone are the veiled arguments that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism; students and professors are targeting Jews. These overt antisemites seek to actively harm Jewish students on campuses.
Yet, through this wave of hate, bold students fight for Jews on campus. Their efforts to stem the rising antisemitism have become an additional full-time job for these students. In return, they are isolated, shamed, and harassed socially and academically. Some are being followed, some are spat on, excluded from academic groups and from social groups. These students in some cases have even taken their names off their dorm room doors due to physical threats. In the classroom, some teaching staff abuse their power to harm these Jewish students as well. Those who have publicly stood up for Jews face serious concerns and frightening consequences.
Through this award, the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society honors the students fighting antisemitism for their sacrifices and accomplishments.
Details of Award
NOMINATIONS: Members of the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society, Professors, and Hillel Directors are invited to nominate students on College and University Campuses who are working hard to fight antisemitism.
NOMINATIONS VETTING: An Awards Committee of the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society will review nominations.
Reasoning for Name of Award
United States Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson was chief counsel of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg. His work earned him a reputation as a fighter against antisemitism and fascism. In addition, Justice Louis D. Brandeis, for whom our society is named, considered Justice Jackson an extremely brilliant advocate. Justice Jackson is an excellent standard bearer for those who pursue justice.
NOMINATION FORM: