July 09, 2025
In a significant development, Barnard College has reached a settlement regarding a lawsuit filed by Jewish students who alleged that the institution did not adequately address incidents of antisemitism on campus. The agreement was announced on Monday, involving the college, the student plaintiffs, and two Jewish advocacy organizations.
As part of the resolution, Barnard has committed to several key demands. These include prohibiting masks during campus protests, ensuring that its endowment will not support any political agendas, and refraining from engaging with a specific pro-Palestinian student organization and any future offshoots. Furthermore, the college plans to establish a new Title VI coordinator role dedicated to handling discrimination complaints. This coordinator will be expected to adhere to federal guidelines, which include considering the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which identifies certain criticisms of Israel as antisemitic. Additionally, Barnard is enhancing its collaboration with the Jewish Theological Seminary, allowing students to enroll in free courses starting this fall.
“Antisemitism, discrimination, and harassment in any form contradict the core values that Barnard College upholds,” stated Laura Ann Rosenbury, the president of Barnard College, in the announcement. “This settlement underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a campus environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for every member of our community.” The newly implemented measures aim to clarify the college’s standards and expectations for respectful interactions, both on and off campus.
However, the settlement has faced immediate criticism from some members of the campus community.
“This agreement seems to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism,” remarked Nara Milanich, a Jewish history professor at Barnard, in a statement to the media. “This poses a challenge to critical thinking and academic freedom.”
The lawsuit, which was initiated in February of the previous year, also included claims against Columbia University, with litigation against Columbia still ongoing.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for educational institutions to navigate the complexities of free speech and discrimination, ensuring that all voices are heard while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students.