https://politico.com/news/jewish-groups-university-california-an…
The 36-page lawsuit argues that UC Berkeley and its law school’s inaction on discrimination against Jewish students has led to a spread of antisemitism.
The complaint is among the first high-profile lawsuits against a university in the aftermath of the protests that roiled campuses in response to the conflict in the Middle East.
Jewish groups are suing over policies enacted by at least 23 Berkeley Law student groups that exclude students from joining or bar guest speakers from presenting if they do not agree to disavow Israel or if they identify as Zionists. They argue that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism and say that the policies violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, the First Amendment right to freedom of religion, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and more.
Additionally, the groups say that the university has failed to address antisemitic incidents on campus following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. They said students’ celebrations of the Hamas attacks resulted in violence against Jewish students. A Jewish student draped in an Israeli flag was attacked by protesters who hit him in the head with a metal water bottle, according to the complaint, and some Jews have received “hate e-mails calling for their gassing and murder.” Jewish students have also said they are afraid to attend class because of the protests.
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
In what ways can colleges balance the right to free speech with the need to protect students from harassment and discrimination?
@9H8TVVPRepublican6mos6MO
I feel like if the people are doing something bad and like against the US it should be restricted.
@9H8TN5Y6mos6MO
I feel like you should be able to say what you want until people take advantage of it. People need to be able to let out their thoughts and opinions but then again people take advantage of that and use racism and other bad things to people and other.
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
How do you feel about student groups excluding members based on their political beliefs or identity, and where should universities draw the line?
By encouraging students to adhere to their racial identities, ethnic groups sometimes harden racial divides and promote racial isolation .
@9H8TN5Y6mos6MO
I don't know what that means, but I feel like people should be able to say what they want to say, and have their own beliefs without getting criticized or any hate for it.
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
In your opinion, can actions against Israeli policies be distinguished from antisemitism, and if so, how?
@9H8RV4Y6mos6MO
Anti-semitism is different from disagreeing with the actions of a government. However, sentiment against Israel sometimes is driven by anti-semitism.
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
@DejectedFerretRepublican6mos6MO
This is spot on and fantastic news!
Now every other campus in the country should get held accountable as well
