College and grad school should be a place where you feel safe to learn and take part in campus life without fear of being targeted. When you’re harassed, threatened, or excluded because you’re Jewish, that sense of safety disappears. Antisemitic harassment can take many forms. When a school fails to act, the harm often escalates.
This kind of behavior may be illegal. Federal civil rights laws and Illinois state laws prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and religion in higher education. If your college or university knew about the harassment and failed to respond appropriately, you may be able to bring a legal claim. A lawsuit can lead to compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. It may also force the institution to make meaningful changes.
You deserve to be supported and protected. Levin, Riback & Adelman can explain your rights, document what’s happened, and take legal action if necessary. Contact us today to talk through your options.
Antisemitic harassment involves behavior that targets you because of your Jewish identity, whether that identity is religious, ethnic, or cultural. This harassment can take many forms, some more overt than others.
In a college setting, you could face verbal slurs in class, see antisemitic symbols or messages posted on campus, or be excluded from student organizations. Some students are doxed online, followed on campus, or intimidated for expressing Jewish views and wearing religious symbols. Others notice biased treatment in grading, disciplinary actions, or access to campus resources.
Antisemitic harassment is actionable when it interferes with your ability to participate in or benefit from school programs or activities. A single severe incident, like a serious threat or act of vandalism, may be enough. If your school knows about the behavior and doesn’t take reasonable steps to stop it, that failure may also be grounds for legal action.
Several federal laws protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination in college settings, even when religion isn’t named directly. These laws place legal obligations on colleges and universities that receive federal funding. That’s almost all public schools as well as many private institutions.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. While religion is not explicitly listed, the U.S. Department of Education has clarified that Jewish students are protected under Title VI when the discrimination targets shared ethnic or ancestral characteristics. This includes slurs, threats, vandalism, or exclusion that is tied to the student’s Jewish identity.
Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) division of the Department of Education. This office investigates complaints involving antisemitic harassment and enforces Title VI. OCR can require schools to change their policies, improve training, and take specific steps to address hostile environments. Executive Order13899, issued in 2019, directs federal agencies to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when reviewing civil rights complaints involving Jewish students.
Students in Illinois have additional protections under state law. These laws apply in addition to federal protections—and they may give you more options for relief.
Illinois Human Rights Act
This law prohibits discrimination in education based on religion, national origin, race, and other protected categories. If you’re harassed because you’re Jewish, you may be able to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). The IDHR investigates claims of educational discrimination. If they find discrimination, they can take enforcement action against any institutions that violate the law.
Potential Civil Claims in Illinois Courts
In some cases, you may also have a legal claim under Illinois tort law. If a college knew about the harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit for negligence or for intentional infliction of emotional distress. These claims allow you to seek financial compensation for the emotional harm and disruption the harassment caused.
Whether you have a cause of action under state or federal law, working with an experienced discrimination and harassment attorney is key. An experienced lawyer can explain your options and help you take the next steps.
Schools aren’t automatically liable for every incident, but they do have a duty to maintain a safe, non-discriminatory learning environment. If they ignore that duty, you may have a valid legal claim. In most cases, a school’s liability depends on:
Schools are expected to respond to reports of antisemitic conduct promptly. That often includes conducting an investigation, disciplining the harasser, offering support to the affected student, and making sure the behavior doesn’t continue. Failing to take these steps may violate both federal and state law.
If your school receives your report and delays, dismisses it, or doesn’t act to protect you, that failure could be the basis of a legal claim.
Taking the right steps early on can help protect your rights and create a clear record of what happened. Start by documenting everything:
Next, report the harassment to your school. Depending on the situation, you can file a report with:
You also have the right to take your complaint beyond the school. You can file with:
Before you start this process, talk to a lawyer. Legal guidance can help you understand your rights, avoid common pitfalls, and prepare a stronger complaint.
Internal investigations are not always fair or transparent, and schools often prioritize their own reputation over student safety. Having an attorney on your side can make a significant difference.
Levin, Riback & Adelman can help you document what’s happened, preserve key evidence, and evaluate your legal options. If your school offers a settlement or pushes back against your claim, we can represent you in negotiations or litigation.
Our firm has decades of civil litigation experience, including work on sensitive and high-impact cases. We understand how to hold institutions responsible when they fail to protect students from discrimination and harm. If you’re ready to take action, we’re here to help. Contact Levin, Riback & Adelman to get started.
