Approximately 13.3% of Northwestern University's undergraduate students and 7% of its graduate students identify as Jewish, translating to about 1,200 Jewish undergraduates and 1,000 Jewish graduate students. These figures underscore the significant presence of Jewish students within the university community. In April 2024, pro-Palestinian protests emerged on campus, leading to the establishment of an encampment that violated university policies. The administration's response included reaching an agreement with the protesters, which was later scrutinized by federal authorities.

In April 2025, during Passover, antisemitic graffiti was discovered on campus buildings, including messages such as "Death to Israel" and "Intifada now." University President Michael Schill condemned these acts, emphasizing that antisemitic behavior would not be tolerated and that those responsible would face disciplinary actions and potential criminal charges. The university has since implemented measures to address and prevent such incidents, including mandatory antisemitism training for students. However, this training has faced criticism from some students and faculty who argue that it presents a biased perspective.

In Conclusion, the university's handling of these events has led to federal investigations and financial penalties. In December 2025, Northwestern agreed to pay $75 million to the Trump administration to resolve allegations of inadequately addressing antisemitism on campus. This settlement also involved revoking the earlier agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters and committing to policy reforms to ensure a safer environment for all students. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges the university faces in balancing free expression with maintaining an inclusive and respectful campus atmosphere.