THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS ESTABLISHED 1966
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 | VOL. LX, NO. 59
University earns ‘B’ rating from ADL on antisemitism By Will Prisco News Writer
The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy organization that seeks to combat antisemitism, has released its annual campus report card evaluating the current state of antisemitism on college campuses and how higher education institutions are responding. The ADL’s antisemitism report card assesses 150 schools based on 32 criteria, divided into three categories: “Publicly Disclosed Administrative Actions,” “Jewish Life on Campus” and “Campus Conduct and Climate Concerns.” The ratings given in each category contribute to a college’s overall grade. The ADL gave the University of Notre Dame a B grade on April 13, an improvement from the C grade it had in both 2024 and 2025. The ADL notes that although Notre Dame operates as a Catholic university and does not have a Hillel or Chabad organization on campus, it maintains a sizable Jewish population and an official Jewish student club recognized by the University. The report also highlights Notre
Dame’s efforts to combat antisemitism through events such as Antisemitism Awareness Week and its investment in Jewish and Israelrelated studies. The ADL report also outlines specific administrative policies and responses taken by Notre Dame, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas war that began Oct. 7, 2023. It notes that the University has taken significant steps to condemn Hamas and antisemitism, pointing to former University President Fr. John Jenkins’ statement condemning the kidnapping and killing of Israelis by Hamas. The same statement also called for a permanent cease-fire and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The University, in a statement to The Observer, highlighted its efforts to combat antisemitism. “In the context of our mission as a Catholic university, Notre Dame seeks to ensure that all members of this community experience a true sense of belonging. We recognize and prize the many contributions of our Jewish students, faculty and staff, and we condemn in no uncertain terms all forms of anti-Semitism. As noted in the ADL’s
positive assessment of Jewish life on campus, the University routinely hosts events and discussions aimed at educating members of the campus community about the history and dangers of anti-Semitism,” a spokesperson said. “Thanks to the efforts of our Jewish student organizations as well as various University departments, there are many opportunities for our Jewish community members to gather for fellowship and mark religious holidays. Together, these efforts and resources contribute to the broader aim of building the beloved community on campus,” the statement concluded. The report identifies several areas for improvement, especially in the wake of campus protests in spring 2024 that urged Notre Dame to divest from Israel and re-evaluate its ties with Israeli universities and institutions. The ADL’s report docks the University for the “level of hostile anti-Zionist student groups” on campus as well as for lacking a Jewish alumni group, a group supporting Jewish employees see “ADL” on page 4
NDSMCOBSERVER.COM
Students receive AI startup email By Observer News Staff Notre Dame students and faculty received an email at 8:30 p.n.regarding an AI company, entitled Kerra, at 8:30 p.m. The email came from freshman Caden Chuang, a founding team member of the company. Speaking with The Observer, Chuang said he initially had an email list of about 30,000 people, however, chose to solely limit his email to the undergraduate population. The company’s website self-advertises as an “AI agent for college students.” Their website states, “Kerra connects to your university Canvas and automatically creates lecture notes, practice tests, and assignment draft from your course materials.” The email, sent by Chuang, advertises, “I built an AI agent that connects to your Canvas and sees everything: your grades, assignments, schedule, all of it. It figures out exactly where you’re falling short and gives you the precise roadmap to get an A with the least amount of work possible. Your only job is to pull up to the exam.”
The email continues to explain the AI software, “reads every slide, PDF, and reading your professor uploaded and turns it into an actual study guide; Augments your assignment completion ability; Adds every deadline to your calendar so you don’t miss anything from your professor’s announcements.” As of 9:20 p.m., Chuang reported the emails had been deleted from his Notre Dame email. The emails had been removed from Notre Dame students’ inboxes as well. The Responsible Use of Data and Information Technology Resources Policy and Communications Policy within du Lac do not expressly forbid the use of mass emails to students by other students. The Notre Dame academic honor code policy on generative AI states, “representing work that you did not produce as your own, including work generated or materially modified by AI, constitutes academic dishonesty. Use of generative AI in a way that violates an instructor’s articulated policy, or using it to complete coursework in a see “Email” on page 4
Rally ends with ‘Love Thee, Notre Dame!’ event By Matthew Morin Members of the class of 2030, accompanied by their families, gathered on the intersection of South Quad for the final time to conclude The Rally 2026. Beginning on Sunday morning, the event brought students of the incoming class together for various events around campus, with opportunities to interact with their future classmates. The final event, which is new this year, was known as “Love Thee, Notre Dame!” Starting at 4 p.m., Fr. Pete McCormick, assistant vice president of Campus Ministry, served as DJ while guests arrived. Issac Schmitz, an admitted student from Indiana who hopes to major in mathematics and actuarial science, said his thoughts about the event with The Observer. “I definitely loved it. It’s something different here,” he said. “My favorite part of being here is watching everybody else love it so much, honestly.” At 4:15 p.m., the last members of
the class of 2030 made their way to South Quad, led by bagpipers, as McCormick introduced the dorms that were present at the event. These included Cavanaugh Hall, Coyle Hall, Duncan Hall, Pasquerilla East Hall, Ryan Hall, Walsh Hall and Welsh Family Hall. Concluding his time as DJ, McCormick played Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline,’ which he described as “the most singable, sing-alongable song.” Notre Dame Leprechaun sophomore Louis DelFra took to the stage next, dancing with McCormick and leading the students in a call-and-response chant of “We Are,” followed by the response of “ND!” Hall Presidents Council cochairs, seniors Megan Klein and Joe Tunney, were the next to speak to the crowd. As they took the stage, Klein thanked all previous speakers, and Tunney called out the various quads on campus, asking students to cheer for their own. Klein told all students that regardless of whether or not their family had attended the University, or wherever
they came from, they would be welcomed and will find their place there. Tunney then continued, saying that dorm life would be more than a place for these students to live but rather the place for students to meet their closest friends. Gabriela Chiguil, an admitted student to the Keough School of Global Affairs, similarly noted the inclusive nature of the community, specifically describing upperclassmen teaching her the words to Notre Dame songs and including her in activities. Vice president for undergraduate enrollment Micki Kidder returned to the stage following their speeches, mentioning each event that admitted students participated in over the weekend. “You have felt the love, the investment, in each of you,” she said. Kidder continued, saying, “Regardless of your path to Notre Dame, please know that there is home here in South Bend for every single one of you.” Before leaving the stage, Kidder introduced a surprise guest for the incoming class, Irish head football
NEWS | PAGE 3
OPINION | PAGE 5
Public broadcasting stations share the aftermath of funding cuts following overturned order.
A shake-up is underway in graduate student government, bringing changes to leadership.
Associate News Editor
Public station cuts
A new guard
MATTHEW MORIN | The Observer
Fighting Irish head football coach Marcus Freeman speaks to admitted students with at The Rally 2026 alongside other speakers last Sunday.
coach Marcus Freeman. He recalled when he first arrived at the University six years ago and that throughout his time since, there have been highs and lows he has experienced. Freeman continued that these moments are what make one’s experience and “Life is more like a quilt” because it has one solid back
with various pieces sewn together on the front. He continued that the back of his quilt was the University. which has always been there for him and will also be there for admitted students. “I always say Notre Dame will change your life if you let it, but
SCENE | PAGE 8
SPORTS | PAGE 10
Men’s Baseball
SPORTS | PAGE 11
Men’s Tennis
The country star delivered a fiery performance in the Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.
An inside look into sophomore Bino Watters’s role leading Notre Dame baseball.
Notre Dame defeats North Carolina and loses to Virginia this past week.
Luke Combs
see “Rally” on page 4