Barnard College implements measures to combat antisemitism on campus
- Barnard College was sued by a group of Jewish students over allegations of antisemitism on campus.
- The college agreed to a settlement that includes new measures aimed at combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish students.
- The agreement marks a significant effort by Barnard to create a safer campus environment for all students amid ongoing discussions surrounding Israel.
In June 2024, Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University in the United States, faced a federal lawsuit from a group of Jewish students claiming egregious civil rights violations regarding antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit accused the college of insufficiently addressing antisemitism, particularly during protests against Israel, which left Jewish students feeling harassed and intimidated. The legal action was spearheaded by two Jewish advocacy groups that claimed that Jewish and Israeli students experienced harassment by pro-Palestinian protesters, and some students reported feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus academically due to hostile incidents. Following the lawsuit, Barnard College and the plaintiffs reached a settlement, detailing a series of commitments aimed at protecting the rights of Jewish students. Among the terms of the settlement, Barnard agreed to cut ties with the anti-Israel student group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, implement mandatory anti-Semitism training for students and staff, and create a Title VI coordinator to respond to discrimination claims and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination policies. The agreement also requires the college to adopt federal guidance that regards certain critiques of Israel as antisemitic, a decision that drew criticism from various faculty and students who felt it could inhibit legitimate political debate. Furthermore, Barnard committed to tightening discipline policies related to off-campus conduct and protests, which included prohibiting masks at demonstrations. This settlement fits within a broader pattern where various universities have faced legal actions concerning antisemitism and have taken measures to address reported incidents. Overall, the settlement reflects a significant development in the campus climate surrounding discussions of Israel and Palestine, impacting the rights and safety of Jewish students amid heightened tensions exacerbated by recent geopolitical events.