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

BREAKING: UC Berkeley and Pomona College have just announced settlements with Jewish groups over serious allegations of antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests. This urgent development marks a significant response to rising tensions on campuses, as both institutions aim to address mounting concerns regarding discrimination.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, UC Berkeley confirmed it will compensate Israeli sociologist and dance researcher Yael Nativ with $60,000 following claims she faced discrimination tied to her Israeli nationality. Nativ alleged she was not invited back to teach a successful course after protests intensified on campus after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. A formal investigation had previously found she did experience discrimination.

In a statement, UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed regret, saying, “Dr. Nativ is owed the apology I will provide on behalf of our campus.” The university has further invited her to teach her class again “in a semester of her choosing,” emphasizing a commitment to rectify past mistakes.

Meanwhile, Pomona College entered a nonmonetary settlement regarding a federal complaint lodged last year with the Education Department, alleging violations of civil rights laws in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Tensions peaked during a protest in 2024 when demonstrators occupied an administrative office, leading to multiple arrests. The college faced backlash from Jewish students who reported a “hostile environment” and accused the administration of inadequate responses to their complaints.

In response, Pomona plans to implement several changes, including hiring a Title VI civil rights coordinator, forming a task force on Jewish life and antisemitism, and enhancing training related to Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. The college will also consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in its policies, although this definition is contentious among various groups.

The settlements involve the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, which represented Nativ and filed a complaint with the Education Department regarding Pomona’s handling of the situation. Hillel and the Anti-Defamation League were also involved in the Pomona complaint.

Pomona College President Gabi Starr stated, “We take seriously our obligation to evaluate complaints about discrimination.” She assured that any agreement would protect free speech and ensure all students, including Jewish and Israeli students, are shielded from discrimination and harassment.

Ken Marcus, Chairman of the Brandeis Center, highlighted that the settlement would address the “blatant and egregious antisemitism” faced by students at Pomona, aiming to safeguard against future incidents.

Both UC Berkeley and Pomona have faced scrutiny from the federal government regarding their handling of protests. While they have avoided the severe investigations that other institutions, like UCLA, have faced, tensions remain high. The Trump administration previously suspended $584 million in grants to UCLA due to its alleged mishandling of civil rights for Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.

As these settlements unfold, both campuses are under pressure to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. The implications of these agreements, particularly the financial and administrative changes, will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as UC Berkeley and Pomona College navigate these contentious issues.