A conversation with Stephanie Joy Sage

The leader of Michigan Mothers Against College Antisemitism makes sure that no Jewish student feels alone

There is still a lot of fallout to sift through from last Sunday’s 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony at the University of Michigan.

Leaders in the Jewish community from the ADL to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit to Jewish families who have attended and sent their children and then grandchildren to the University of Michgan express that their day of joy in a loved one’s graduation, or their pride in being a Michigan Wolverine, has been robbed and somewhat tainted by the outgoing head of the Faculty Senate, a faculty member who has always championed the cause for the University to cut ties with Israel and used graduation day to set up what should have been a congratulatory speech to fit his political agenda.

Now that the semester is over, and now that it is Jewish American Heritage Month, I thought this would be a good time to roll out a conversation I had with Stephanie Joy Sage, the leader of the Michigan chapter of MACA (Mothers Against College Antisemitism), a national organization focused on protecting Jewish students, promoting Jewish pride, and addressing anti-Israel or antisemitic narratives in university coursework.

Stephanie’s a hard one to nail down, so it was great she took the time to talk to me for this in-depth behind-the-scenes look at what is going on with Michigan MACA.

She runs her own business, By Steph Joy LLC for starters, is a mom of two growing boys, and active in Hadassah.

This March, she traveled to Washington D.C. as part of a small cohort of women who met with Senator Gary Peters, heard from Senator Elissa Slotkin, and connected with Chief of Staff Liam Steadman from the office of Congresswoman Haley Stevens as they advocated for legislation, including the Protecting Students on Campus Act, (S.163/H.R.6857), a bipartisan bill aimed at combating antisemitism and discrimination on college campuses by enhancing Title VI reporting. It mandates that universities share clear, accessible information with students on how to file discrimination complaints with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

At the end of May, she will head off to New York City to walk in the Salute to Israel Parade and then in June will go back to Capitol Hill to lobby with the Zionist Organization of America.

Since stepping into her Michigan MACA role, much of her time has been spent listening to the conerns of the Jewish community and how that plays out for advocating for Jewish students on Michigan’s college campues.

LaKoom: So what does Michigan MACA do?

Stephanie: When concerns arise, Michigan Mothers Against Antisemitism provides parents with timely information, practical guidance, and community connection and support. We show up when parents and students need answers, and we work to make sure no one feels alone.

We encourage Jewish students to step into leadership through student government and campus organizations so their voices are part of decision-making. We advocate for fairness and integrity in the classroom. Universities should be places of learning, not intimidation or bias.

The goals for all of the MACA chapters nationwide will continue to be providing education and support for our Jewish college students. We will do that through speaker events, empowerment and leadership opportunities, self-defense classes, social get togethers, and solidarity and strength on and off campus.

We also strengthen positive Jewish life on campus by offering programs such as Challah Bakes, Babka Nights, hosted Shabbat dinners on campus, internship, job, and housing support, and community gatherings that help students connect, celebrate their identity, and feel a true sense of belonging.

LaKoom: Let’s start right off the bat: What is your take on the 2026 Commencement and Derek Peterson’s speech?

Stephanie: Commencement is meant to be a moment that brings people together, a recognition of years of hard work, growth, and achievement. At a place like the University of Michigan, that moment should reflect the diversity, dignity, and shared experience of every graduate in the room.

When a commencement speech shifts into political or ideological messaging, especially on deeply complex global issues, it risks taking away from that unity. Not because people don’t care about these issues, but because graduation is one of the few spaces meant to honor everyone equally, regardless of background, belief, or identity.

There is a time and place for advocacy, dialogue, and even disagreement. Universities should absolutely foster those conversations. But commencement is different. It’s a milestone meant to celebrate accomplishment, perseverance, and the future, not to divide or make any group of students feel unseen or uncomfortable on a day that belongs to them.

Every student who walked that stage earned their moment. That moment should feel inclusive, respectful, and centered on their achievement not overshadowed by messages that may not represent the full community.

We can support free expression and still hold space for thoughtful judgment about when and where certain messages are appropriate. Both can exist at the same time.

LaKoom: Looking back on this 2025-2026 school year as a whole, what trends are you seeing on Michigan’s college campuses?

Stephanie: As a state, Michigan has some of the finest public universities on the planet. For generations of Jewish Michiganders and Jews around the country, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State have been the go-to institutions of higher education. This holds true even now, even when Jewish students on campus face so many challenges.

LaKoom: Which campuses are you focusing on?

Stephanie: Michigan MACA is a statewide organization. Our primary focus is the University of Michigan because of its size, visibility, and influence, but we also support Jewish students across campuses throughout the entire state.

These universities include some of the largest Jewish and Muslim student populations in Michigan. What happens on these flagship campuses often sets the tone statewide and even nationally. We are building a broad network so that any Jewish student in Michigan knows they have support.

Compared to the 2024-2025 school year, there has been a sharp dropoff in antisemitism on campus, according to a newly released study by the Antidefamation League.

The urgency of the hostage crisis is gone and the initial gut punch of the massacre of Jews on October 7th, though never gone, is somewhat fading. A fragile ceasefire is holding. The campus pro-Hamas encampments have disappeared.

LaKoom: That’s got to be a positive development in terms of the hostile disruptive climate on campus, I should hope, not just for Jewish students but the entire University community. Are things truly calming down?

Stephanie: Although the encampments are no longer an issue – what we are now seeing as a threat to our Jewish students is antisemitism coming from the faculty. Antizionist professors and teachers who are openly teaching and encouraging discrimination and hatred for any students who may be or may be perceived to be pro-Israel or pro-Jewish.

Still, there seems to be a persistent undercurrent of hostility towards Jewish students and even Jewish faculty who don’t toe the line of being Antizionist.

LaKoom: When it comes to antisemitism and Antizionism, where do these challenges seem most visible: in classes, clubs, online, or at campus events? Are there any positive developments to report on?

Stephanie: Students are more aware, more engaged, and more connected. They are seeking out Jewish spaces out of pride and belonging, not fear. When students have community, they stand taller.

LaKoom: Are students experiencing a change in campus atmosphere?

Stephanie: Yes. Students are more engaged and more connected. They are finding strength through Jewish spaces, friendships, and support.

LaKoom: Are they reaching out to Jewish resources on campus for direction?

Yes. Students and families reach out for guidance, community, and reassurance. Michigan MACA exists so they have a safe place to turn. Community is protection.

There have been some prime examples of Jewish students taking up the baton in speaking up and doing the work of learning more about their Jewish identity and the complexities of Israeli history.

LaKoom: Can we talk about Facts on the Ground? Students Supporting Israel? I know they have been bringing remarkable speakers to campus. How have these programs been received by Jewish students, and I hope, non-Jewish students as well?

Stephanie: Each of these and other organizations is a relevant and meaningful part of supporting Jewish students. MACA adds to this by providing additional support to the families of college students who support them. We often partner with these and other organizations.

Connecting with Administration

LaKoom: There have been very specific developments at the University of Michigan. Let’s talk about them.

The first is the big change at the top, with President Santa Ono’s abrupt departure last year after graduation and the appointment of Domenico Grasso as interim president. What have his interactions been with Jewish life on campus? How is he shaping the campus to foster open learning and dialogue, rather than shouting it down?

Stephanie: Interim President Grasso has made an effort to engage with campus climate and Jewish life. Leadership matters because tone matters. Jewish students need to know their identity is respected and protected.

LaKoom: The Lawfare Project has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan. alleging that there have been classes taught explicitly demonstrating anti-Israel bias. Is MI MACA in contact with them? Do you know how this case is progressing?

Stephanie: We are aware of the concerns raised. Michigan MACA is not a litigation group. Our role is to advocate for fairness, truth, and responsible education.

LaKoom: Have you spoken directly with anyone in the campus administration? If so, what was that conversation like for you?

Stephanie: We engage through parent networks and university channels. Our approach is collaboration with accountability.

Antisemitism cannot be confronted unless it is defined. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism does just that, as it includes the singling out and demonization of Israel, but NOT constructive criticism of Israeli government policy.

LaKoom: What is Michigan MACA’s take on this definition?

Stephanie: Michigan MACA and all MACA chapters affirm that Antizionism IS Antisemitism. We fully adopt the IHRA definition. Furthermore, MACA and MACA chapters work to ensure universities and colleges as well as local, state and federal government officially do the same. Exploding antisemitism will continue until that is no longer a debate.

LaKoom: When you’ve raised issues to the university administrators, did you feel genuinely listened to and supported at the University of Michigan?

Stephanie: Yes — particularly in recent months, we have seen a meaningful shift. There has been increased willingness from senior leadership to listen, engage, and acknowledge that Jewish students and families have legitimate concerns about campus climate, safety, and antisemitism. While not every issue has been resolved, the tone has become more constructive and more open to dialogue, which matters enormously when trust is being rebuilt.

Looking Ahead

LaKoom: What’s ahead for Michigan MACA?

Stephanie: Michigan MACA and other MACA chapters will follow the lead of the Dallas-Fort Worth MACA, which has become the most active on-the-ground chapter. Our chapters will continue to build their memberships, fundraise for speakers and student events, and continue to be a consistent and steadfast support for our Jewish students on campus.

LaKoom: What is Michigan MACA’s biggest development on the horizon?

Stephanie: Building a strong statewide parent network so no Jewish family feels alone. We will push back against antisemitism and antizionism by staying connected, supporting Jewish life visibly, and working together. Community creates change.

What gives us the greatest hope as we look to the future is the students.

They are proud, engaged, and building community. When Jewish students feel supported, they thrive. I hope that they stay here in Michigan after graduation, build their lives here, and keep Michigan Jewish life strong.

We want Michigan to be a place where Jewish students thrive—where they feel proud of who they are, supported by their community, and excited about their future.