After anti-Israel protests over the war in Gaza upended college campuses last year, many universities set up task forces to examine whether antisemitism was on the rise.

The answer was yes. But one of the factors they identified was perhaps surprising: diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Reports from Stanford University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania found that Jewish students sometimes felt excluded by D.E.I. programs, rather than protected by them.

The task force reports reflected a growing tension on college campuses: How do Jews fit into diversity and inclusion programs on campuses?

Many Jewish campus leaders and students say they do not, but should. Some have argued that the programs have focused on Black, Hispanic and other student groups, and not on Jewish students who have faced antisemitic slurs and occasionally violence.

Others have defended the programs as essential to making campuses safer and welcoming to all, including Jewish students.