UC Berkeley, Pomona College Settle Antisemitism Claims for $60K

UPDATE: UC Berkeley and Pomona College have reached urgent settlements regarding allegations of antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests. The agreements, disclosed on October 25, 2023, address serious complaints filed by Jewish groups and individuals, marking a significant moment for both institutions amidst increasing scrutiny over campus conduct.

UC Berkeley will pay $60,000 to Israeli sociologist and dance researcher Yael Nativ, who alleged discrimination after being denied reappointment to teach a successful course in the fall of 2023. Nativ claimed her rejection was due to her Israeli nationality, coinciding with escalating protests against Israel following the deadly October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. A formal investigation previously supported her claims, and Nativ took legal action after UC Berkeley failed to respond adequately to her requests for reinstatement.

In an official statement, UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed regret, stating, “I respect and appreciate Dr. Nativ’s decision to settle this case… She is owed the apology I will provide on behalf of our campus.” The university has invited Nativ to teach her class again in a future semester, aiming to rectify past wrongs.

Meanwhile, Pomona College has entered a non-monetary settlement regarding a federal complaint tied to its response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024. Tensions escalated when protesters occupied an administrative office, resulting in arrests and prompting the college to relocate its commencement ceremony to Los Angeles due to safety concerns. Jewish students reported feeling a “hostile environment” during these protests, leading to accusations that college leadership failed to adequately address their concerns.

In response, Pomona College announced a series of proactive measures, including hiring a Title VI civil rights coordinator, forming a task force focused on Jewish life and antisemitism, and implementing mandatory Title VI training. The college will also update its policies to reflect that the term “Zionist” may be considered antisemitic in certain contexts.

Pomona College President Gabi Starr defended the settlement, emphasizing the college’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. “At every step in the discussions… we stressed that any agreement must protect free speech… and help us protect all our students from discrimination and harassment,” Starr said.

Both settlements involve the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, which has represented Nativ and filed the complaint against Pomona College. The Anti-Defamation League and Hillel, a Jewish student organization, were also involved in the proceedings.

The settlements come amid heightened scrutiny of universities’ handling of antisemitism, especially concerning pro-Palestinian protests. While UC Berkeley and Pomona have avoided the severe repercussions faced by institutions like Harvard and UCLA, both schools are under the watchful eye of federal authorities. In July, UCLA faced a suspension of $584 million in federal grants over alleged violations of Jewish students’ civil rights.

As these developments unfold, the impact on campus dynamics and the broader discourse surrounding free speech and discrimination in higher education remains to be seen. Stakeholders are eager to observe how these settlements influence future policies and campus culture.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this evolving situation.