As the school year begins, the Brandeis Center continues its vital work confronting anti-Semitism on campuses, in classrooms, and beyond. This month’s Brandeis Brief highlights our latest lawsuit against UC Berkeley alleging discrimination against an Israeli professor, important progress at Adelphi University, new insights from our leadership in national media, and upcoming opportunities to engage with our work. Together, we are standing strong and taking action against rising Jew hatred and ensuring accountability where it matters most. In this issue: UC Berkeley Sued for Discriminating Against Israeli Professor Adelphi University Puts Students for Justice in Palestine Chapter on Probation Alyza D. Lewin on Boundless Insights Podcast Anti-Semitism’s Newest Safe Space: Teachers’ Unions Brandeis Center Urges Senate to Confirm anti-Semitism Envoy Events with the Brandeis Center UC Berkeley Sued for Discriminating Against Israeli Professor Last week, the Brandeis Center, along with the law firm of Olivier & Schreiber PC, filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley alleging the school violated California anti-discrimination laws when it rejected the teaching application of Dr. Yael Nativ solely because she is Israeli.The complaint is part of a disturbing pattern emerging across top universities: according to several lawsuits filed by the Brandeis Center, Israeli academics and researchers are increasingly becoming the targets of career undermining attacks. “For a university to deny the invitation of a respected professor simply because of her national origin is not only distasteful, it’s illegal. The vicious and illegal targeting of Israeli faculty and researchers is unfortunately a disturbing new trend we are seeing nationwide that must stop,” said Kenneth L. Marcus, Chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center. The Free Press broke news of the lawsuit, spotlighting the experiences of our client and the broader implications of this suit. Adelphi University Puts Students for Justice in Palestine Chapter on Probation As students head back to campus, we’re hopeful that Adelphi University will be a little safer for Jewish students this year. In response to a complaint filed by a client of the Brandeis Center, Adelphi University has placed its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter on disciplinary probation for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students through its inflammatory social media activity. “Adelphi’s decision that its SJP chapter, like SJP chapters at colleges across the country, has created a hostile environment for Jews is an important victory for Adelphi’s beleaguered Jewish community… SJP statements that Adelphi correctly describes as ‘calling for the harm of Jewish community members, dehumanizing Jewish individuals, and inciting violence/aggression toward Jewish individuals’ have no place on a college campus, or anywhere else for that matter.” said Rory Lancman, Director of Corporate Initiatives and Senior Counsel at the Brandeis Center. The complaint alleged that SJP’s social media activity was creating a hostile environment for the school’s Jewish community. Concerns focused on posts from the SJP account celebrating October 7th as a “historic day,” and exclaiming “Long Live the Intifada” and “Adelphi is no place for Zionists.” This decision sends a strong message from the university to its community, holding responsible student organizations that promote rhetoric that fosters intimidation or harassment. Alyza D. Lewin on Boundless Insights Podcast As students head back to campus, universities are stepping into a storm of debate over anti-Semitism, safety, and free speech. The Trump administration has stepped up federal interventions — pulling funding, opening investigations, and demanding major policy changes at schools that fail to protect Jewish students from harassment, discrimination and worse. But are these measures working? Are they creating a safer environment, or simply shifting the battleground to new fronts? In a new episode of BoundlessInsights with Aviva Klompas, Alyza D. Lewin, president of the Brandeis Center, examines the administration’s strategy to combat anti-Semitism, explores how universities are reacting, and discusses what this means for Jewish students in the year ahead. Listen to the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Anti-Semitism’s Newest Safe Space: Teachers’ Unions In a compelling op-ed for The Hill, Brandeis Center Chairman and CEO Kenneth L. Marcus condemns increasing anti-Semitism in America’s teachers’ unions. He explains how this pervasive Jew-hatred has contributed to an alarming rise in anti-Semitism in K-12 schools and calls on teachers’ unions to use their influence for good. “You have likely seen the recent onslaught of anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. But is it surprising that Jewish and Israeli K-12 students are experiencing anti-Semitism in schools, when so many teachers’ unions are promoting anti-Semitic curricula and engaging in anti-Israel political advocacy?” Brandeis Center Urges Senate to Confirm Anti-Semitism Envoy Along with nearly 150 major Jewish organization, the Brandeis Center signed a letter led by the Jewish Federations of North America urging the Senate to “swiftly” confirm President Donald Trump’s nominees for special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and international religious freedom ambassador. The letter continues, “We believe that these ambassador-at-large positions are crucial to protecting vital human rights, promoting religious freedom and vigorously confronting the global surge in antisemitism.” This includes the Brandeis Center’s critical work combating anti-Semitism across campuses, workplaces, and in American society. Events with the Brandeis Center Tune in to the Religious Liberty Commission’s upcoming hearing on religious liberty issues in public education on Monday, September 8 at 9:00 AM ET. The hearing will include panels with testimony from parents, students, and experts in the area of religious liberty and public education, including the Brandeis Center’s President Alyza D. Lewin. Watch the hearing live on September 8. Join the Brandeis Center on Monday, September 15 at 12:00 PM ETfor a webinar exploring The Explosion and Evolution of Antisemitism. The conversation will discuss specific examples of anti-Semitic discrimination and harassment, and steps employers should take to prevent and respond to them. Stay tuned for more details to register. Last month, the Brandeis Center’s Director of Corporate Initiatives and Senior Counsel Rory Lancman joined Jewish ERGs for a discussion on Jewish Employee Resource groups and their legal and ethical significance in the workplace. The Brandeis Center recently played a key role in Microsoft and Adobe’s decisions to formally recognize Jewish Employee Resource Groups. Watch the full conversation here.
This month, the Brandeis Center continues to lead the fight against anti-Semitism on and off America’s campuses and workplaces. From new legal actions against K-12 schools in Virginia, California, and Massachusetts, to a new lawsuit filed against Stanford University, we are using an array of legal tools to hold institutions accountable. Our work has also led to key victories—including a federal court allowing a critical labor law case to proceed and Microsoft’s changes to discriminatory policies against Jewish employees. Catch up below on the latest legal actions, media coverage, and thought leadership from our team. In this issue: Brandeis Center Sues Nysmith School Alleging Severe Anti-Semitic Bullying Brandeis Center Sues Stanford University New Complaint Alleges Violation of Brown Act at CA Public Schools Federal Civil Rights Brief Detailed Rampant Anti-Semitic Abuse at MA High School Lawsuit Against ALAA Survives Motion to Dismiss Microsoft Equalizes Treatment of Jewish Employee Network Israel on Campus Coalition’s National Leadership Summit Meets in DC Content Catch Up: Interviews, Events, and More Brandeis Center Sues Nysmith School Alleging Severe Anti-Semitic Bullying At the beginning of July, the Brandeis Center and Dillon PLC filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights in the Virginia Attorney General’s Office on behalf of a Jewish family, alleging that the Nysmith School violated the Virginia Human Rights Act. The complaint claims that the private K–8 school in Northern Virginia expelled three Jewish siblings after their parents alerted the headmaster to severe and persistent anti-Semitic bullying directed at one of their daughters. “Through its actions, the administration sent a clear message: bullying is acceptable, as long as it’s against Jewish families. We must all emulate the strength of these parents and their children and stand up to anti-Semitism and its perpetrators, as difficult as it may be. In addition to action from legal authorities, it is high time for public moral outrage; the normalization of anti-Semitism must stop,” Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center, said. Following the filing, the case received widespread attention across media and from government officials, including from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares who discussed the allegations on Fox News, saying, “if what’s alleged in here is true, it absolutely meets the definition of a violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act.” Brandeis Center Sues Stanford University The Brandeis Center, along with Cohen Williams LLP, filed a federal lawsuit against Stanford University on behalf of Israeli postdoctoral fellow Dr. Shay Laps, who faced discrimination and harassment after being pushed out of his lab for being Jewish and Israeli. As outlined in the complaint, Dr. Laps alleges he was told that Israeli academics were not welcome and subjected to a hostile environment simply because of his nationality and beliefs. Dr. Laps was isolated and sabotaged by multiple individuals at Stanford, even including his former mentor. When Dr. Laps brought the hostile treatment he was experiencing to his mentor and the lab’s leader, he attempted to bully Dr. Laps into leaving the country. The lab leader – falsely – claimed that Stanford’s Title IX Office had alerted him to a complaint and formal investigation against Dr. Laps, and pressured Dr. Laps to flee. Dr. Laps reached out for help, writing to Stanford President Jonathan Levin and the School of Medicine Dean Lloyd B. Minor, only for the Stanford administration to disregard his claims, ultimately resulting in his resignation. New Complaint Alleges Violation of Brown Act at CA Public Schools The Brandeis Center and law firm Cohen Williams LLP filed a legal complaint against the Palo Alto Unified School District, charging the district with violating California law and deceiving the public about a newly imposed ethnic-studies graduation requirement. The complaint charges that the district misled the public and quietly approved a controversial ethnic-studies graduation requirement without proper notice or transparency.The district’s actions “are part of a concerning trend emerging in K-12 schools, where board members act behind closed doors and without the required public notice in order to approve K-12 curriculum that may be controversial, inflame bigotry and even be unlawful,” stated Kenneth L. Marcus. Federal Civil Rights Brief Detailed Rampant Anti-Semitic Abuse at MA High School Along with the ADL and a pro bono team at the law firm Mayer Brown, the Brandeis Center filed a brief with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights alleging that officials at the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District in Massachusetts failed to protect Jewish students from pervasive anti-Semitic harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. According to the filing, school and district officials—including the superintendent, administrators, principals, and the district’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—repeatedly failed to take timely or effective action to protect the targeted Jewish student and confront the underlying antisemitic attitudes in the school community, despite receiving numerous reports spanning multiple academic years. The abuse described in the filing included Nazi salutes in school hallways, students dividing themselves into teams called “Team Auschwitz” and “Team Hamas” during athletic games, swastikas drawn in notebooks and on school property, and the use of antisemitic slurs such as “kike,” “dirty Jew,” and “go to the gas chamber.”Three weeks after our legal filing, hundreds attended a virtual meeting of the Select Board and School Committee, demanding answers about the anti-Semitic acts described in the filing. Lawsuit Against ALAA Survives Motion to Dismiss The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that federal labor law claims brought by union members against the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW Local 2325 could proceed, rejecting the ALAA’s motion to dismiss the case. The lawsuit was brought over the ALAA’s attempt to expel four Nassau County Legal Aid attorneys – three Jewish and one Christian ally – in retaliation for their filing of an earlier lawsuit opposing the ALAA’s anti-Israel resolution shortly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack. Brandeis Center senior counsel Rory Lancman reacted, “In standing up for what it is right, these courageous legal aid lawyers faced expulsion and a campaign of demonization that has taken an enormous toll on then, both professionally and personally. We look forward to proceeding with this case and fully vindicating their rights under federal labor law.” Microsoft Commits to Reforms that LDB Demanded Earlier this year, the Brandeis Center warned Microsoft of legal action on behalf of Microsoft’s Jewish employees if it continued to distribute professional benefits and advantages through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on the basis of ethnic or racial identity, while denying these benefits to Jewish employees.This month, following pressure from the Brandeis Center, Microsoft committed to reforms that would ensure equal treatment for Jewish employees and all others. This included equalizing its treatment of its Jewish employee network, “Jews at Microsoft,” alongside other recognized and funded ethnicity-based employee networks. In response, the Brandeis Center commended Microsoft and congratulated its Jewish members. Microsoft’s nine top-tier employee networks, designated as ERGs, were company-recognized, sponsored, and supported organizations of employees within Microsoft based around a particular identifying characteristic, such as ethnicity, that afforded members of that ethnic group extra opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and the ability to collectively oppose discrimination in the workplace. Microsoft had not recognized religion as a category of identity permitted to establish an ERG, and refused to recognize the ethnic characteristic of Jewish identity; thus, Microsoft refused to recognize a Jewish ERG, denying Jewish Microsoft employees benefits that are provided to others. This violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Israel on Campus Coalition’s National Leadership Summit Meets in Washington, DC Earlier this week, Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin delivered powerful remarks at Israel on Campus Coalition’s National Leadership Summit. Over 1,000 Jewish students, faculty, and leaders convened in Washington, DC to train in civic engagement, coalition building, and how to respond to anti-Semitic incidents on campus. Ms. Lewin was joined on a keynote panel by Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where they discussed the external influences exacerbating campus anti-Semitism, students’ legal protections against it, and the importance of proudly claiming Jewish peoplehood and history — not only to ensure campuses are safe for all students, but to reinforce the protections of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Lewin also led a breakout session for students to learn about legal tools and defend their Jewish identity on campus. Watch some of her message and follow her on Instagram for more. Content Catch Up: Podcasts, Interviews, and More In a forceful op-ed for USA Today, Brandeis Center Chairman and CEO Kenneth L. Marcus condemns the increase in anti-Semitism present in America’s mental health field and argues for the federal government to defund Decolonizing Therapy: America’s mental health field is overrun with antisemitism. It’s dangerous. Kenneth L. Marcus appeared on Fox News to discuss the Trump administration’s crackdown on moral ‘rot’ in higher education. Watch the segment here. Senior Counsel Paul Eckles joined WGN Radio’s Legal Face-Off to discuss our lawsuit against MIT. Watch his segment here. Alyza D. Lewin spoke at the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society’s 41st annual Jewish Law Day about “The Legal Toolbox to Counter Erasive Anti-Semitism.” Watch her remarks here. Kenneth L. Marcus joined Sandra Parker, Chairwoman of the Board of CUFI Action Fund, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, to discuss the importance of the Antisemitism Awareness Act at the Christians United for Israel 2025 Washington Summit. Watch the conversation here. New on the blog: the Brandeis Center published a casebook review of Professor Robert Katz’s Antisemitism and the Law, and recapped the Supreme Court’s decision in Miriam Fuld, et al., v. Palestine Liberation Organization, et. al. Upcoming Event: On August 12, join the Brandeis Center’s Senior Counsel Rory Lancman and Jewish ERGs Executive Director Steven Phillips for an essential conversation on the legal landscape and business case for Jewish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Get more information and sign up here.
From the courtroom to Capitol Hill, the Brandeis Center continues to lead the charge against rising anti-Semitism across the country. This month, we filed a major federal lawsuit against MIT, advocated for civil rights in Congress, and welcomed new leadership to drive our policy efforts forward. Catch up on the latest legal actions, thought leadership, and opportunities to join our mission. In this issue: Brandeis Center Sues MIT Over Campus Anti-Semitism Kenneth L. Marcus Testifies Before Congress About Rising Anti-Semitism Amicus Brief Filed Regarding Harvard’s Adoption of IHRA Justice Department Sues Jerusalem Coffee House Brandeis Center Welcomes First Chief Policy Officer We’re Hiring: General Counsel Content Catch Up: Podcasts, Interviews, and More Brandeis Center Sues MIT Over Campus Anti-Semitism Last week, the Brandeis Center filed a new federal lawsuit on behalf of Jewish students, researchers, and faculty at MIT. The complaint alleges that a tenured MIT professor subjected students to anti-Semitic harassment—accusing one of carrying a “Jewish mind infection” and exposing another’s identity after learning of their IDF service—while the university failed to intervene. “This is a textbook example of neglect and indifference,” Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center, told Jewish Insider. “Not only were several anti-Semitic incidents conducted at the hands of a professor, but MIT’s administration refused to take action on every single occasion.” This case underscores growing concerns about unchecked anti-Semitism on elite campuses and the institutional failures to protect Jewish students. Read more about details from the lawsuit on MassLive.ior counsel Rory Lancman told the New York Post. Kenneth L. Marcus Testifies Before Congress About Rising Anti-Semitism On June 24, Chairman and CEO Kenneth L. Marcus testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight at a hearing, “Rising Threat: America’s Battle Against Antisemitic Terror.” The hearing examined the domestic conditions giving rise to anti-Semitic attacks in the United States, as well as the steps the Trump administration is taking to combat it. Marcus emphasized how world events have emboldened anti-Semitic actors in the United States, and how skyrocketing anti-Semitism threatens all Americans and western civilization: “We know that what begins with the Jews does not end with the Jews. This lethal unrest is a threat to all Americans, and it must be stopped.” Read Mr. Marcus’s testimony and watch his remarks below Amicus Brief Filed Regarding Harvard’s Adoption of IHRA The Brandeis Center filed an amicus brief in federal court urging the judge to reject recent filings that oppose Harvard’s agreement to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and examples of anti-Semitism as part of its anti-discrimination policy, a result of its settlement with the Brandeis Center. These opposing briefs—submitted by groups including Jewish Voice for Peace and the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee—challenge the legitimacy of IHRA and Harvard’s settlement with the Brandeis Center. The Brandeis Center argues that the opposing briefs are both outside the scope of the litigation and based on mischaracterizations of the IHRA definition, which is widely recognized by federal agencies and world leaders as a key tool for identifying and addressing anti-Semitism. The brief emphasizes that IHRA clearly distinguishes between legitimate political criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic conduct, and that its use does not infringe on free speech or unlawfully define Jewish identity. By defending Harvard’s use of the IHRA definition, the Brandeis Center reinforces the importance of clear and consistent standards in combating anti-Semitic harassment and upholding civil rights protections. Read more about the Brandeis Center’s amicus brief on the blog. Justice Department Sues Jerusalem Coffee House The U.S. Department of Justice announced a civil rights lawsuit against the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, following a separate lawsuit filed by the Brandeis Center in March on behalf of Jonathan Hirsch, a Jewish father who was forcibly removed from the café because he was wearing a Star of David hat. As Senior Counsel Omer Wiczyk told KQED, “the Justice Department is stepping in and doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing — which is not letting people or businesses in this country think it’s OK to exclude Jews because they’re Jews.” Brandeis Center Welcomes First Chief Policy Officer The Brandeis Center is thrilled to announce that Karen Paikin Barall, former Vice President of Government Relations for Jewish Federations of North America, will be joining the organization as Chief Policy Officer. In this role, Paikin Barall will lead the multi-year public policy, advocacy, and communications strategy to advance the Brandeis Center’s mission across all levels of government and the public arena. “This work is deeply personal to me. I’ve devoted my career to the intersection of government, advocacy, and the Jewish community — driven by a belief that strong public policy, principled leadership, and the rule of law are essential to protecting our communities,” said Paikin Barall. Read more about the announcement here. We’re Hiring: General Counsel The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law is seeking an experienced and mission-driven General Counsel to lead our cutting-edge legal initiatives combating anti-Semitism and advancing civil and human rights. This is a unique opportunity to join a national nonprofit on the front lines of legal advocacy — where your expertise can help shape the future of Jewish civil rights. 🔹 Position: General Counsel🔹 Location: Washington, DC🔹 Status: Full-time, senior leadership🔹 Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis Key Responsibilities Include: Overseeing and managing complex legal cases Providing strategic leadership on litigation and policy matters Supervising legal staff and working directly with clients and partners Collaborating with national coalitions and government agencies 📄 View Full Job Description Content Catch Up: Podcasts, Interviews, and More Kenneth L. Marcus spoke with Hans Von Spakovsky on the Case in Point podcast to discuss “The Mortal Storm: Anti-Semitism Invades America’s Universities.” Watch the episode here. The Brandeis Center’s President Alyza D. Lewin joined NBC News for a powerful segment addressing the alarming rise in anti-Semitic attacks. Watch the segment here. In an op-ed for Fox News, Kenneth L. Marcus warns that anti-Zionist extremism has morphed into a transnational movement targeting Jews on college campuses and beyond: The global intifada is here. Hamas-aligned networks brought terror to US soil and we need to stop it. In an op-ed for 1819 News, U.S. Senator Katie Britt issued a powerful call to action against the rising tide of anti-Semitism in America, spotlighting the importance of moral clarity and national unity. The article highlights insights from Alyza D. Lewin, who emphasized that anti-Semitism “isn’t just a Jewish problem, but one that needs to be addressed by the entire society.” Sen. Britt reiterated Ms. Lewin’s push to adopt the IHRA definition to make clear the critical distinction between a legitimate political debate on the state of global affairs and the vilification of Jews. After New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order adopting the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, Kenneth L. Marcus commended the move, saying “IHRA provides a clear framework for law enforcement, educators, and all local officials to properly identify and address anti-Semitism in all its forms.” Kimberly Richey, the nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, spoke about solidifying Title VI protections amid rising campus anti-Semitism. Kenneth L. Marcus endorsed her proposed regulations, noting that it would “be important for giving durability…to the fundamental notion that Jewish civil rights are protected under Title VI.” Join the Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism We are proud to share the launch of theLouis D. Brandeis Center Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism—a powerful new initiative uniting people of conscience in the fight to eliminate anti-Semitism and defend civil and human rights for all. Together as one, the Coalition promotes justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of the Jewish people—rights too often threatened by discrimination, harassment, and hatred. The Brandeis Center partners with the Coalition to advance civil and human rights. Join the Coalition today and be part of the solution. Membership is free of charge and obligation.
As we mark the end of Jewish American Heritage Month, the Brandeis Center continues to lead the fight against anti-Semitism with bold legal action, high-level advocacy, and impactful public engagement. From filing federal complaints on behalf of Jewish employees facing discrimination, to urging reforms in taxpayer-funded DEI programs, to launching a national coalition for change, the Brandeis Center remains at the forefront of defending Jewish civil rights. This month’s work honors the legacy of our namesake, Justice Louis D. Brandeis, and celebrates the enduring contributions of the Jewish community to America. Read on for the latest updates on our legal victories, policy initiatives, and the people driving our mission forward. In this issue: New Lawsuit Filed Combating Workplace Anti-Semitism Brandeis Center Issues ‘Blockbuster’ Letter to Trump Administration Advocating for Jewish Employee Resource Groups Investigation Opened at Cal Poly Capitol Hill Briefing on Defining Anti-Semitism Alyza D. Lewin Named to Religious Liberty Commission Video: Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Conference Join the New Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism Jewish American Heritage Month: Honoring Justice Brandeis New Lawsuit Filed Combating Workplace Anti-SemitismOn behalf of numerous Jewish employees of the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), the Brandeis Center filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The complaints allege the employees’ own union, A Better NYLAG, not only failed to represent their interests but also actively obstructed efforts by NYLAG to address and remedy an anti-Semitic workplace environment allegedly fostered by the union itself. Jewish employees claim the union’s actions and rhetoric, including slogans like “Intifada Now,” created a discriminatory environment and undermined their rights to fair representation. “Rather than defend the right of these Jewish NYLAG employees in the ABN’s [A Better NYLAG] bargaining unit to be free from a toxic work environment – created in large part by the ABN’s own activities – the ABN went so far as to advocate against the very Jewish employees whom they purport to represent,” senior counsel Rory Lancman told the New York Post. Brandeis Center Issues ‘Blockbuster’ Letter to Trump Administration In a groundbreaking letter outlining the next frontier in our fight against anti-Semitism in education, the Brandeis Center called on the Trump administration and federal leaders to reform taxpayer-funded DEI programming that distorts Jewish identity, promotes anti-Semitic narratives and marginalizes Jewish and Israeli students. Among the troubling issues we expose are the erasure of Jewish ethnicity and indigenous identity, Jewish students being told to “identify as white,” and DEI trainings portraying Zionism as racism. Read the full letter with more examples here. Advocating for Jewish Employee Resource GroupsIn early May, the Brandeis Center warned Microsoft in a letter that if it continued to distribute professional benefits and advantages through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on the basis of ethnic or racial identity, while denying these benefits to Jewish and other employes, the Brandeis Center would file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC and seek to proceed immediately to a lawsuit in federal court alleging a violation of federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. A few weeks later, Adobe officially recognized a Jewish ERG, a significant milestone in the fight for equal treatment of Jewish employees amidst the rise in workplace anti-Semitism. The Brandeis Center advised and worked closely with Adobe’s Jewish employees throughout this effort, and applauds Adobe for this important recognition. Investigation Opened at Cal Poly The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation into a complaint filed by the Brandeis Center and Jewish on Campus against California State Polytechnic (Cal Poly), Humboldt. The organizations allege that the university is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by cultivating a campus environment that allowed for the verbal and physical harassment, exclusion, and abuse of Jewish students. Denise Katz-Prober, Director of Legal Initiatives, told the Jewish Journal, “What’s at issue in our complaint as we documented is unlawful conduct and behavior that the university was obligated to address in order to make sure that Jewish students are safe and welcome on their campus. They didn’t do so, and that’s why we filed the complaint.” Capitol Hill Briefing on Defining Anti-SemitismOn May 22, the Brandeis Center hosted a Capitol Hill briefing titled “Hearing from Students: Defining the Anti-Semitism That Harms Us.” The panel discussion was introduced by Brandeis Center Chairman and CEO Kenneth L. Marcus and moderated by Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin. The panel featured a current student from Yale and two recent graduates from Cal Poly and Brooklyn College. The event was co-sponsored by Congressman Mike Lawler, who co-sponsored the Antisemitism Awareness Act and is an advocate of adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism. At the briefing, which took place one day following the murder of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Mr. Marcus emphasized that this is a time to “not be afraid, not to shrink back, but to redouble our efforts.” Ms. Lewin added, “we are at a moment that calls out for urgency. It’s a moment where we must act.”Read more about the discussion in this blog. Alyza D. Lewin Named to Religious Liberty CommissionEarlier this month, President Trump announced the establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom. On Friday, the President designated individuals to serve on three advisory boards — religious leaders, legal experts, and lay advisors — and named Alyza D. Lewin to the Advisory Board of Legal Experts. “I am honored to have been selected by President Trump to serve on the Advisory Board of Legal Experts to the Religious Liberty Commission,” said Ms. Lewin. “As someone who grew up in a family that for many generations has fought to secure the right of Jews to practice our faith freely and with pride, it is a privilege to carry on this family tradition. “For nearly three decades, I have joined my father and law partner, Nathan Lewin, in enforcing the law on behalf of Jews and other Americans observing their faith. Over the past seven years, I broadened my vision, as president of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, to ensure the Jewish people are also protected from harassment and discrimination that targets them on the basis of the Jews’ ancestral connection to the land of Israel. “I look forward to working with the distinguished members of the Commission and its advisory boards to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of America’s founding principle of religious liberty and to ensuring compliance with the legal protections guaranteed by American law.” Video: Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Conference Israel is the only country in the world that is told it has no right to exist – that’s contemporary anti-Semitism, but most of the world still fails to recognize it as such. In a recent address at the 4th annual Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Conference in Washington, DC, Alyza Lewin spoke to a group of rabbis and Jewish leaders about the evolving ways anti-Semitism manifests on college campuses, and how the general public, and university administrators, still do not understand anti-Semitism. Watch her full address here: Join the New Coalition to Combat Anti-SemitismWe are proud to share the launch of the Louis D. Brandeis Center Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism—a powerful new initiative uniting people of conscience in the fight to eliminate anti-Semitism and defend civil and human rights for all. Together as one, the Coalition promotes justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of the Jewish people—rights too often threatened by discrimination, harassment, and hatred. The Brandeis Center partners with the Coalition to advance civil and human rights. Join the Coalition today and be part of the solution. Membership is free of charge and obligation. Jewish American Heritage Month: Honoring Justice Brandeis This Jewish American Heritage Month, we proudly reflect on the legacy of Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the influential figure for whom the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law is named. Justice Brandeis exemplifies the values at the heart of our mission: a commitment to the civil rights of the Jewish people and a broader dedication to justice for all. Justice Brandeis was also a proud leader in the American Zionist movement, advocating for the self-determination of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland while remaining steadfast in his belief that Jewish identity was fully compatible with American democratic ideals. His example continues to inspire Jewish Americans to engage in the civic life of our country with confidence and purpose. In naming our organization after Justice Brandeis, the Brandeis Center honors a legacy that champions both the Jewish people and the broader struggle for human dignity. His life reminds us that the pursuit of justice is not limited to one group—it is a universal call that demands courage, vision, and a commitment to truth.Read more about Justice Brandeis on our blog.
In this issue, we examine pivotal legal and policy developments shaping the national response to campus anti-Semitism—from filing new, innovative lawsuits at Columbia and UCLA, to Harvard’s federal funding standoff, to the Brandeis Center’s advancing lawsuit against UC Berkeley. We also highlight new government actions, influential thought leadership from Brandeis Center experts, and a congressional briefing focused on safeguarding the rights of Jewish Americans amidst the historic rise in anti-Semitism. In this issue: Brandeis Center Sues Organizations and Individuals Behind Columbia University Janitor Assault, UCLA Encampments Implications from Harvard’s Fight for Federal Funding Alyza Lewin on Boundless Insights with Aviva Klompas podcast Brandeis Center Title VI and Constitutional Law Claims Against Berkeley to Proceed How Government Action Can Combat Campus Anti-Semitism Confronting Anti-Semitism: Policy Briefing for the 119th Congress Brandeis Center Sues Organizations and Individuals Behind Columbia University Janitor Assault, UCLA Encampments Last weekend, the Brandeis Center filed two new lawsuits targeting the organizations allegedly behind anti-Semitic encampments at Columbia University and UCLA, as reported exclusively in The Free Press. Unlike previous lawsuits focused on university administrations, these actions directly accuse professional activist groups of orchestrating violent, racially motivated assaults and civil rights violations against Jewish students and others. The lawsuits allege that groups with ties to Hamas coordinated the occupation of Columbia’s Hamilton Hall and the establishment of “Jew exclusion zones” at UCLA, fostering environments of intimidation, violence, and discrimination. This follows recent legal victories by the Brandeis Center, including a landmark settlement with Harvard University to strengthen anti-Semitism policies. According to Kenneth L. Marcus, Chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center, “These were not organic student-driven events, as they claimed to be. This was part of a professional, coordinated effort that we’re seeing taking place across the country… Until we acknowledge that these protests were part of a larger web of radical anti-Semitism, and until we hold the perpetrators actually carrying out this abuse accountable, these vicious attacks will continue. And Jewish students and faculty – and those who stand up for them – will continue to suffer.” Columbia UniversityFiled by Torridon Law PLLC and the Brandeis Center, the complaint alleges that pro-Hamas group The People’s Forum, Inc. and numerous individuals, including professional agitators, were responsible for brutalizing two janitors during the takeover of Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall. As a result, these two janitors have not been able to return to work and now suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The complaint also alleges that numerous non-defendant pro-Hamas organizations and groups, including Within Our Lifetime United For Palestine, Westchester People’s Action Coalition, Inc., Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, and Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace, directly or indirectly supported the seizure of Hamilton Hall. Mr. Marcus spoke more about the lawsuit on Fox News. Watch the full segment here. UCLA Encampments Filed by Consovoy McCarthy PLLC and the Brandeis Center, the UCLA complaint alleges that several groups – including National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), AJP Educational Foundation, Inc., Faculty for Justice in Palestine Network, WESPAC Foundation, and People’s City Council – engaged in a long-running and coordinated anti-Semitic conspiracy to deny Jews equal access to campus. According to the complaint, anti-Semitism on campus severely worsened when protesters erected a violent, pro-Hamas encampment on Dickson Plaza and Royce Quad. Within the encampment, protesters created and enforced a “Jew exclusion zone,” which was defended by threats of physical violence. Protesters designated teams of security personnel armed with wooden planks, makeshift shields, pepper spray, tasers, and even a sword to man “checkpoints” and “human phalanxes” designed to intimidate Jewish and Israeli students and faculty. Implications from Harvard’s Fight for Federal Funding Shortly after President Trump announced his intention to rescind federal funding from universities that, in his words, “promote antisemitism and fail to protect Jewish students,” $2.2 billion in federal funds to Harvard were frozen, and its nonprofit status was threatened. In response, Harvard’s president took a strong stance opposing the administration’s demands, setting up a standoff that could redefine how elite institutions manage academic autonomy. However, in a new piece for The New York Sun, Brandeis Center Chairman and CEO Kenneth L. Marcus reminds us that the reality is more complex: “There are strings attached when one accepts billions of dollars in taxpayer money.” The impact this standoff will have on the fight against anti-Semitism and the future of higher education remains to be seen. As Mr. Marcus told The New York Times, the government’s proposals go “far beyond anti-Semitism and reflect a far wider cultural concern within the conservative movement about what is rotten in higher education.” He added in The Boston Globe that Harvard’s response “is not a good look for Harvard… this is not the time to act on ideological differences.” Alyza Lewin on Boundless Insights with Aviva Klompas podcast Alyza D. Lewin is featured on the latest episode of the Boundless Insights with Aviva Klompas podcast, where she discusses the current surge of anti-Semitism on college campuses, the federal government’s response, and the legal frameworks in place to protect the civil rights of Jewish students. She also addresses distinctions between protected speech and unlawful harassment, and the importance of elevating the voices of Jewish students. “When does criticism of Israel cross the line into anti-Semitism? We need to be able to distinguish between good faith political debate about policies… and what is happening on university campuses.” This episode offers timely insight into how civil rights protections under Title VI can be used to combat anti-Semitism and support safe, inclusive learning environments. To learn more listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Court Rules Brandeis Center Title VI and Constitutional Law Claims Against Berkeley Will Proceed Last week, a California court rejected UC Berkeley’s motion to dismiss the Brandeis Center’s lawsuit against the University for its deliberate indifference to the harassment of Jewish and Israeli students and its discriminatory treatment of those students. The Court’s denial of the University’s motion to dismiss means that the Brandeis Center’s claims under the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act will go forward. This is a substantial victory for Berkeley students and for the broader fight against campus anti-Semitism. Following the Court’s ruling, the case will proceed to the “discovery” phase, wherein UC Berkeley will be compelled to disclose important documents to LDB. The Brandeis Center is pleased that the law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher — recognized as one of the Top 10 U.S. law firms on American Lawyer’s A-List — will join our litigation team moving forward in this case. We are committed to ensuring that justice prevails for the many Jewish students whose civil rights have been violated. Read more about the latest in the case in Reuters. How Government Action Can Combat Campus Anti-Semitism A newly formed U.S. government task force has launched a campaign targeting elite American universities, pressuring them to address anti-Semitism and reshape campus culture. Led by officials from several federal departments, including Health and Human Services, Education, and Justice, the task force has already frozen or withdrawn over $11 billion in federal funding from institutions like Columbia and Harvard. Its broad mandate extends beyond combating combatting anti-Semitism to challenging perceived progressive orthodoxy in higher education, including DEI initiatives and affirmative action. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Kenneth L. Marcus, former head of the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights and current chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center, praised the task force’s approach. He described the involvement of the General Services Administration in the task force’s work as a “brilliant stroke,” noting that the power to pull back contracts “brings to bear immense new potentials for influencing compliance with federal civil rights laws.” Mr. Marcus also joined The Story with Martha MacCallum on Fox News to discuss how universities are not innocent bystanders in the broad-based attacks we are seeing across campuses. Confronting Anti-Semitism: Policy Briefing for the 119th Congress On April 11, the Brandeis Center hosted a Capitol Hill briefing with the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, outlining the current state of anti-Semitism in America and the policy solutions needed to address it. Kenneth L. Marcus was joined by Denise Katz-Prober, Director of Legal Initiatives at the Brandeis Center, along with Dan Granot, National Director of Antisemitism Policy at ADL, Arie Lipnick, advisor for the Combat Antisemitism Movement, David Goldfarb, Senior Director at Jewish Federations Strategic Health Center, and Dr. Charles Asher Small, the founding director and president of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. Read more on the blog and watch the full event below:
LDB sued the People’s Forum and other individuals, including professional agitators, who were responsible for the Hamilton Hall takeover at Columbia University in April 2024. The complaint describes in great detail that this was not an organic student-driven event, but rather was part of a professional, coordinated effort by career supporters of Hamas across the country who aim to propagate Hamas’ anti-Semitic goals. LDB represents two janitors who were working overnight shifts at Hamilton Hall. Neither are Jewish but they were mocked and derided as “Jew-lovers” and “Zionists.” They were assaulted and battered and are now suffering from PTSD and have been unable to return to work. The complaint was filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York and alleges civil rights claims based on 42 U.S.C. §1985(3) and 42 U.S.C. §1986, as well as assault, battery, and intentional/reckless infliction of emotional distress. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney’s fees.