Amherst, Massachusetts – Jewish groups have taken a stand against UMass Amherst by filing a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The complaint alleges a lack of action from university officials to address antisemitic harassment and make Jewish students feel safe in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law jointly lodged the complaint, claiming that Jewish students at UMass Amherst have faced antisemitic attacks since the Hamas terror attacks in October. They accuse the university’s leaders of failing to address the reported harassment of Jewish and Israeli students.
Similar federal civil rights complaints and investigations have been filed against other colleges and universities since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. UMass Amherst faced scrutiny after a student was arrested for assaulting a Jewish student holding an Israeli flag.
The ADL’s CEO expressed frustration at UMass Amherst’s response, labeling it as “deliberately indifferent and negligent.” The organization urged the U.S. Department of Education to intervene promptly to address the situation.
The complaint highlighted a specific incident in November where a UMass Amherst student was attacked for holding an Israeli flag at an event. The university was criticized for not taking decisive action following the assault, leading to concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus.
Allegations of genocidal chants, antisemitic slurs, and physical threats were outlined in the complaint, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue. The Jewish groups called for stringent measures to combat antisemitism, including mandatory training for university staff and students.
UMass Amherst responded by emphasizing its commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students. The university stated that it does not tolerate discrimination based on national origin and condemned all forms of hatred within the community.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how UMass Amherst will address the allegations raised in the civil rights complaint, and whether proactive steps will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus.