Barnard College, a women’s college affiliated with Columbia University in New York City, has recently settled a lawsuit that claimed the institution was not taking sufficient measures to combat antisemitism on campus.
The federal court action, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. et al v. The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York et al, was filed in February by two Jewish advocacy groups, Students Against Antisemitism and StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice, on behalf of a group of Barnard student plaintiffs. As part of the settlement, Barnard has “committed to implementing new measures to address antisemitism on campus and ensure access and inclusion of all students to the college’s educational mission and environment.”
These measures include hiring a Title VI coordinator who will enforce the law’s prohibition of discrimination and retaliation on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Barnard students, faculty, and staff will also be required to complete training on the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, which will address how to recognize, combat, and report antisemitism. Beginning in the upcoming fall 2025 semester, the Barnard Office of the President will release an annual message outlining the institution’s “zero tolerance” for discrimination and harassment of all protected traits, including Jewish and Israeli identity.
The settlement includes measures that limit the time, place, and manner of demonstrations and prohibit the use of face masks and other personal disguises at protests. Furthermore, the Barnard administration has agreed to refuse to recognize, meet, or negotiate with the Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the group behind last year’s pro-Palestine student protests. The coalition has advocated for Columbia and Barnard to refuse partnerships with companies that work with Israel. In response, the new settlement outlines that Barnard will not use their endowment or financial position as “a vehicle for expressing political positions.”
“Antisemitism, discrimination, and harassment in any form are antithetical to the values Barnard College champions,” said Barnard College President Laura Ann Rosenbury. “Today’s settlement reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a campus that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all members of our community. These new measures, including enhanced training and a dedicated Title VI coordinator, build on Barnard’s existing policies and make our standards and expectations for treating one another, both on and off campus, crystal clear. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration in support of all members of the Barnard community.”
However, some members of the Barnard community have raised concerns on what this settlement means for the college’s future and the freedom of speech for its students, faculty, and staff.
Barnard history professor Nara Milanich told CNN, “This settlement appears to equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. That is a problem for critical thought and academic freedom.”