What’s happening

A federal judge in Manhattan ruled that Cooper Union, a private science and art college, must face legal action alleging it failed to protect Jewish students from aggressive pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests. The lawsuit claims these demonstrations amounted to “severe and pervasive” antisemitic abuse.

Why it matters

This case sheds light on growing concerns of antisemitism on college campuses across the United States, especially in the aftermath of violent events in Israel and the ongoing Gaza conflict. The decision reaffirms the importance of upholding Jewish students’ safety and dignity in academic spaces.

What the court decided

US District Judge John Cronan, appointed by President Donald Trump, acknowledged that Jewish students might seek punitive damages and efforts to improve campus conditions, emphasizing that hateful conduct does not fall under the protection of free speech. He dismissed certain claims but allowed key accusations to proceed.

The broader context

This lawsuit comes after similar cases at other prestigious institutions, like Harvard and New York University, which faced scrutiny for not appropriately addressing antisemitic incidents on their campuses.

Between the lines

The tension at Cooper Union surfaced after protesters disrupted on-campus activities with chants and signs against Israel, putting Jewish students in an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe situation. Reports suggest that the college administration’s response included locking the library doors but missed a proactive approach in handling the discriminatory environment.

Cooper Union’s stance

The institution stands by the belief that the protests involved protected political speech and accuses the plaintiffs of distorting the events. However, the college commented that it awaits the opportunity to demonstrate its side once the case is brought before the court.

The impact of Title VI

Judge Cronan emphasized that the situation at Cooper Union violates Title VI, which mandates federally-funded academic bodies to ensure non-discriminatory education settings. This reinforces the college’s responsibility to shield Jewish students from harassment.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.