Barnard College Settles Lawsuit Over Antisemitism Allegations

Barnard College settled a lawsuit filed by Jewish and Israeli students accusing the school of failing to adequately address antisemitism on its campus, agreeing to implement several measures to combat discrimination. The lawsuit claimed that Barnard and Columbia University allowed harassment and anti-Israel activism that created a hostile environment, violating the federal Title VI Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination at federally funded institutions. As part of the settlement, Barnard will appoint a Title VI coordinator responsible for reviewing allegations of discrimination and will follow guidance to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, though it will not formally adopt it. The college also committed to mandatory training for students, faculty, and staff on anti-discrimination policies and an annual public message from the president reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on antisemitism. Barnard's president emphasized the school's dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive campus community, with the settlement reflecting a broader trend among universities addressing similar legal challenges related to antisemitism. Columbia University remains a defendant in the ongoing lawsuit but was not part of this settlement.