Antisemitism is a present and growing threat across the United States, including on college and university campuses. In recent years, students across the country have reported being harassed, threatened, excluded, or physically harmed because of their Jewish identity. Jewish students on college campuses across Illinois and the United States have been threatened, harassed and even physically harmed because of their Jewish Faith.
Colleges and universities are responsible for maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, including Jewish students. Unfortunately, some administrators, professors, and teachers and even Deans of Universities fail to take complaints of Antisemitism seriously, putting Jewish students and their families at further risk of discrimination, verbal harassment and even violence.
Encampments have been set up that have made Jewish Students feel at risk for their safety. Antisemitic slurs have been spray-painted on buildings and monuments adding to the level of fear that each student feels as he or she walks to class. Students have been verbally attacked and their free passage to walk through their own college campus has been blocked. The University owes you as a student a safe place to learn and live. You as a student should not have to feel that your safety and well-being are at risk because of your Judaism.
The Chicago civil rights attorneys at Levin, Riback & Adelman believe that no student should be forced to tolerate hate or bigotry in pursuit of a college education. We can help students take legal action when university leadership ignores or enables, or worse, promotes antisemitism through inaction and tolerance. Our firm will fight to hold these institutions of higher learning accountable under state and federal law and secure compensation for the harm you as a student have suffered because of the permissive antisemitic environment that these schools have permitted to exist.
If you or your child has experienced antisemitism on a college campus, call Levin, Riback & Adelman today at 312-782-6717. Let us help you understand your rights and options under the law.
Antisemitism on college campuses can take many forms. Some forms are overt and hostile, while others are subtle but equally damaging. Broadly defined, antisemitism includes hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people or institutions. In campus settings, antisemitism may appear as:
While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech on college campuses, it does not protect antisemitic speech and conduct. Targeted harassment, threats, intimidation, and violence are not protected speech under the Constitution. When speech or conduct interferes with a student’s right to learn in a safe, nondiscriminatory environment, those students may have legal recourse.
Students have legal protections against antisemitic harassment and discrimination. Some of the applicable state and federal laws include:
Whether your school is public or private will affect your legal options. Public schools are subject to Constitutional and federal civil rights laws. However, they may still be liable under state discrimination laws or civil negligence claims.
The best way to find out whether you have a claim is to reach out to Levin, Riback & Adelman today. Our attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options.
Colleges have a legal obligation to respond to discrimination or harassment, including antisemitic conduct. When they fail to take appropriate action, students may be able to hold the college accountable and recover compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Liability may arise when:
Students may have several legal options:
Discrimination based on your Judaism is humiliating, frightening, and could result in a violation of your civil rights. Fortunately, a university’s inaction doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you’ve experienced antisemitism on campus, taking the right steps early can make a difference in how the situation is ultimately resolved. When an antisemitic incident happens, follow these steps:
So, when should you get an attorney involved? Consider consulting our firm:
If your school has failed to protect you or your child, our team is here to help you take the next step. Levin, Riback & Adelman can review your claim and explain potential options under Federal or State law. We can also communicate with the school, OCR, and other agencies on your behalf. If necessary, we will prepare and file a civil lawsuit to pursue compensation for educational disruption, emotional and physical harm, and other damages.
Levin, Riback & Adelman understands that antisemitic college incidents are deeply personal and emotional. We provide compassionate, client-focused representation that prioritizes your well-being—all while aggressively pursuing accountability. The attorneys in our firm rightly know that Jewish students have been under attack since October 7, 2023 and that their safety is at risk.
Our attorneys have significant experience in complex civil litigation, including cases involving institutional failures and civil rights violations. We know how to hold powerful entities responsible when they fail to protect their students and staff.
Every case begins with a thorough investigation of the facts. We gather records, interview witnesses, and evaluate all available legal options. If litigation is necessary, our results demonstrate that we are prepared to fight for you in the courtroom and try your case.
Above all, we focus on outcomes that support long-term healing and justice for our clients. Whether that means securing financial compensation, driving institutional change, or both, our attorneys are ready to stand up for your needs.
Contact us to speak with an experienced civil rights attorney, serving Chicago and all of Illinois.
Antisemitism has no place in any learning environment. Schools that fail to protect their students must be held accountable. If you or your child has experienced antisemitic harassment, exclusion, or violence on a college campus, contact Levin, Riback & Adelman today. Our attorneys are ready to listen to your story and help you determine the best path forward. Do not sit back and feel that your safety has been compromised and you have no hope. We are here to give you your voice back and stand up to the inaction and tolerance of antisemitic behavior.
