Pomona College and University of California Settle Antisemitism Allegations

Pomona College and the University of California recently settled allegations of antisemitism, addressing complaints that arose amid heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. The settlements involve commitments to enhance protections for Jewish students and address incidents of discrimination on their campuses.

The Algemeiner Journal

Pomona College's settlement resolves a complaint filed with the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights in April 2024. The agreement acknowledges that many Jewish students perceive anti-Zionism as an attack on their identity, equating it with antisemitism. As part of the settlement, Pomona will implement several measures, including:

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• Updating its training materials to clarify that terms like "Zionist" may be used as a codeword for "Jew," potentially indicating antisemitic intent.

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• Prohibiting the use of Holocaust imagery in a harassing context.

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• Committing to programming that addresses the Zionist aspect of Jewish identity.

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• Considering the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in its investigations.

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Additionally, Pomona will ban masked protests and appoint a Civil Rights Coordinator to oversee compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry.

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The University of California's settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by Yael Nativ, a former visiting faculty member at UC Berkeley, who alleged discrimination based on her Israeli nationality. The university agreed to pay Nativ $60,000 and her attorneys $56,000, and she will be allowed to teach her course in 2026 or 2027. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons publicly apologized to Nativ, acknowledging the discrimination she faced.

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Critics have raised concerns about the implications of these settlements on free speech. Laura Beltz, policy reform director for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), warned that the requirements for advance approvals for protests and the use of the IHRA definition could chill free expression on campus. Beltz emphasized that the broad nature of the IHRA definition might lead to restrictions on political speech.

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The settlements follow a series of incidents at Pomona College, including a failed attempt by a pro-Hamas group to disrupt a Jewish event commemorating the victims of the October 7 attacks. The college's response included disciplinary actions against individuals involved in the incident, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding antisemitism and free speech on campus.

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• “ Pomona College president Gabrielle Starr issued her own statement on Wednesday, saying, “Antisemitism has persisted for thousands of years, and this settlement is not a one-size-fits-all toolkit.” — G. Gabrielle Starr, President of Pomona College

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• “After Oct. 7, Jewish and Israeli students and teachers across the country were forced to live in fear on their own campuses. But there were many, including those at Pomona, who exemplified strength and stood up to the bigotry and hatred that threatened them,” — Kenneth Marcus, Founder and Chairman of the Brandeis Center

The Algemeiner Journal

The settlements by Pomona College and the University of California reflect a growing recognition of the need to address antisemitism in academic environments. However, the balance between protecting students and preserving free speech remains a contentious issue, as institutions navigate the complexities of these allegations.

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