When university leaders, students, scholars and policymakers gathered in Paris earlier this month, it wasn’t for ceremony—it was for strategy. The French-American Forum on Antisemitism, hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and France’s Representative Council of Jewish Institutions (CRIF), was the first gathering of its kind: a cross-Atlantic response to rising antisemitism, particularly on college campuses. Among those representing the United States were Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Vice Chancellor Rebecca L. Brown.

Held at Sciences Po—one of France’s most prestigious universities for political and social sciences —the summit asked a hard question: What can universities actually do when antisemitism stops being a debate and becomes a lived threat?

For Brown, the experience underscored the scale of the challenge, but also the momentum building to meet it.

“It was amazing to witness the mix of students, academics, civic and political leaders who convened at the forum with shared goals,” she said. “I hope it marks the beginning of a strengthening transatlantic movement to combat antisemitism across campuses and civil societies around the world.”

The event focused less on headlines and more on what happens after them: the process of rebuilding institutional trust.

“The trip highlighted that there is ongoing work required to restore trust in higher education,” Brown said. “We are responsible for preserving diversity of thought, academic freedom and free speech. Any threats to these foundational principles, including antisemitism, will not be tolerated.”

Brown noted that while both WashU and Sciences Po faced similar protests last spring, their ability to respond looked very different. WashU has WUPD, a deputized campus police force it can call on if demonstrations escalate. Sciences Po does not have anything like that.

“We first seek to bring protests back within policy parameters, but if safety is at risk, we can partner with law enforcement,” she said. “That’s more challenging for institutions like Sciences Po.”

Still, she found reasons to be hopeful—especially in the students she met. “These individuals are highly engaged, intelligent and poised to be the problem solvers of tomorrow,” Brown said of the AJC Campus Global Board, whose members participated in the forum.

One concrete outcome from the gathering was the launch of a Fulbright Specialist Program that will help connect American and French educators working on campus-based responses to antisemitism. Brown said WashU intends to be part of that conversation moving forward. “AJC CEO Ted Deutch and I are planning follow-up on how WashU can support this important effort and explore other partnerships to ensure that democratic ideals flourish.”

The trip ended with a visit to Normandy and a Shabbat dinner in Deauville. For Brown—and for many who’ve spent the past year watching these issues escalate—it was a grounding reminder that this moment didn’t come out of nowhere.

“It’s powerful how these challenges resonate across borders,” Brown said. “The fight against antisemitism and the defense of democratic values truly are global struggles—but they require local action.”

And that may be the clearest takeaway: The conversations that started in Paris won’t end in Paris. And for institutions like WashU, what matters now is what comes next—right here at home.