Leah Garrett, a distinguished scholar at Hunter College within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the institution of failing to address widespread discrimination against Jewish individuals on campus. The legal action, submitted on December 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, highlights a pressing concern for combating intolerance in higher education.
“Champion of Tolerance” in Name Only?
Garrett, who occupies the Larry and Klara Silverstein Chair in Jewish Studies and directs the Hebrew and Jewish Studies program at Hunter College, asserts that despite the institution’s self-proclaimed commitment to diversity and inclusion, it has neglected its obligation to tackle anti-Jewish hostility. The lawsuit claims violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, stating that the college has allowed “relentless hostility and unequal treatment” based on her Jewish identity.
The complaint alleges that CUNY Hunter has consistently failed to investigate and resolve reports of harassment targeting Jewish students and faculty. Garrett’s accusations include the administration’s refusal to engage in meaningful efforts to address rising hostility and its disregard for collaboration on remedial measures.
A History of Inaction
Garrett’s lawsuit also sheds light on systemic issues, citing an independent investigation from 2016 that revealed protesters on campus chanting phrases like “Jews out of CUNY” and “Death to Jews” without repercussion. Further scrutiny from the Office of Civil Rights and New York Governor Kathy Hochul reportedly corroborated the school’s inadequate response to anti-Jewish discrimination.
The lawsuit situates Hunter College’s issues within a broader context. A recent report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented a 477% surge in anti-Israel incidents on U.S. campuses from June 2023 to May 2024, with many of these cases involving explicit acts of antisemitism. The report underscored the alarming trend of hostility toward Jewish communities in academic settings.
A Call for Accountability
Garrett’s case amplifies the urgent need for institutions to confront discrimination and foster environments that prioritize safety and equity for all students and staff. Campus Reform has reached out to both Hunter College and Professor Garrett for comment, and updates will follow as the story develops.