Occidental College Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism Amid Federal Title VI Complaint
Occidental College has agreed to a set of measures aimed at addressing allegations of antisemitism on its Los Angeles campus. The agreement, announced Tuesday, includes the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and other initiatives to improve the campus climate for Jewish and Israeli students.
Background: Federal Complaint Filed by Advocacy Groups
The complaint was filed in April with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. Representing four Jewish and Israeli students, the groups alleged that the college fostered a “hostile environment” following the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
Incidents outlined in the complaint included harassment of Jewish students during demonstrations, antisemitic behavior that impeded students’ ability to perform campus jobs, and inflammatory rhetoric by Occidental faculty.
One troubling incident cited involved a professor who expressed feeling “invigorated” by Hamas’ October 7 attacks, prompting applause from students in the presence of an Israeli student.
Steps Taken by Occidental College
Under the agreement, Occidental College has committed to several measures designed to address antisemitism and improve campus climate:
- IHRA Definition of Antisemitism: The college will integrate the IHRA working definition into its review process for complaints and educational materials.
- Title VI Training: Mandatory training on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 will be implemented for all students.
- Jewish Student Support: An associate director of Jewish student life will be appointed to address the needs of Jewish students.
- Demonstration Policies: Updates to the college’s time, place, and manner policies will impose limitations on demonstrations, including conduct and permitted hours.
Alyza Lewin, President of the Brandeis Center, welcomed the agreement, calling it a demonstration of the college’s “commitment to counter all forms of contemporary antisemitism.”
National Surge in Title VI Complaints
The Occidental case is part of a growing trend, with Title VI complaints related to antisemitism rising sharply nationwide. Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, revealed that the OCR is currently handling over 160 antisemitism-related complaints, part of a broader pool of 400 cases alleging discrimination based on shared ancestry or national origin.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, praised the Occidental settlement, stating it exemplifies how the Title VI process can effectively safeguard Jewish students.
SJP’s Reaction to the Agreement
In response to the announcement, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Occidental College criticized the decision, describing it as an attempt to suppress pro-Palestinian activism. The group argued that the IHRA definition conflates legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism and expressed concerns over the potential chilling effect on free speech and student organizing.
SJP further claimed that the updated demonstration policies and required training are unfairly targeting advocacy groups and could limit their ability to protest. A statement from the group asserted, “We stand against all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism, but this agreement silences marginalized voices and protects institutional power.”
Conclusion
Occidental College’s agreement marks a significant step in addressing antisemitism on campus, reflecting broader national efforts to protect Jewish students under Title VI. However, the move has drawn criticism from groups like SJP, highlighting ongoing tensions between combating antisemitism and preserving free expression.
