Barnard College Reaches Settlement to Address Antisemitism and Enhance Student Inclusion

Barnard College's Commitment to Combating Antisemitism



In a landmark agreement announced on July 7, 2025, Barnard College, in collaboration with legal entities such as the StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice and Students Against Antisemitism, resolved a federal lawsuit aimed at addressing antisemitism on its campus. This lawsuit, officially known as Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. et al v. The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York et al, saw student plaintiffs from Barnard advocating for measures to create a more inclusive educational atmosphere.

The settlement represents significant progress in Barnard's ongoing endeavors to foster a campus culture that respects and values all students, particularly those from Jewish and Israeli backgrounds. Under the terms of the agreement, Barnard has committed to implementing measures that not only address antisemitism but also enhance overall student inclusion.

Key Measures in the Settlement



1. Appointment of a Title VI Coordinator:
New in this settlement is the establishment of a Title VI Coordinator, tasked with overseeing compliance with federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. This role mirrors that of Barnard's existing Title IX Coordinator, ensuring a cohesive approach to all types of discrimination. The coordinator will oversee the implementation of educational initiatives and policy compliance related to antisemitism and discrimination.

2. Annual Reporting and Oversight:
The Title VI Coordinator will annually report to Barnard's senior leadership and the Board of Trustees regarding the College's responses to allegations of discrimination and the disciplinary outcomes from such cases, thus establishing accountability in addressing these critical issues.

3. Community Education and Training:
As part of their commitment, Barnard will enhance its educational programs on antisemitism, necessitating all students, faculty, and staff to complete related training. This action aligns with Barnard's existing Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, which outlines behaviors unacceptable within the campus community.

4. Annual Messages from Leadership:
Starting in the fall semester of 2025, the College's President will communicate annually to the Barnard community, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and harassment. This message will clarify that violations can lead to discipline, even for off-campus behaviors, reinforcing a strong commitment to a safe educational environment.

5. Collaboration with Jewish Theological Seminary:
To further enrich the education available to its students, Barnard will allow all students to enroll in courses at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) at no charge, starting in the fall semester of 2025. This partnership is expected to not only facilitate academic growth but also strengthen community ties and understanding among diverse student populations.

6. Demonstration Policies:
Additionally, Barnard has committed to maintaining strict policies regarding campus demonstrations, limiting how and when protests can take place to ensure that the College’s educational mission is not hindered by disruptive demonstrations.

Voices from the Leadership



President Laura Ann Rosenbury stated that, “Antisemitism, discrimination, and harassment in any form are antithetical to the values Barnard College champions. Today's settlement reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a campus that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all members of our community.” This sentiment was echoed by Marc Kasowitz from Kasowitz LLP, who stated that Barnard's proactive measures demonstrate its leadership in combating antisemitism and safeguarding the rights of Jewish students.

The Executive Director of StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice, Carly Gammill, further emphasized the significance of this settlement, asserting that Jewish students deserve campus environments devoid of any hostility towards their identities.

A Path Forward for Inclusivity



Through this settlement, Barnard College has set a precedent for higher education institutions to follow, showcasing a robust response to a critical issue within academia. With the implementation of these new measures, Barnard aims to cultivate a thriving academic community where all students, regardless of their background, can feel safe, respected, and included. This crucial agreement marks not only a response to legal actions but also a proactive stance toward achieving genuine inclusivity on campus, ensuring that every student can fully engage with the College's educational offerings without fear or discrimination.

Barnard's commitment to these principles underlines its mission to educate and empower all its students, laying the groundwork for a broader movement towards understanding, respect, and collaboration across diverse groups within the academic community.

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