Jewish professor sues Hunter College over antisemitism crisis

Leah Garrett, the director of the Jewish Studies Center at Hunter College in New York City, has filed a federal lawsuit against the institution, accusing the administration of fostering a “hostile work environment” for Jewish faculty and students due to widespread antisemitism on campus.

Garrett, who has led the center since 2018, claims the college’s failure to respond to anti-Israel demonstrations following the October 7 attacks has left Jewish individuals vulnerable.

The lawsuit outlines multiple incidents of harassment, including protests on campus with posters showing blood dripping from a Star of David and chants calling for the expulsion of Zionists.

Garrett alleges that, despite repeated pleas for action, the college’s administration did not take meaningful steps to address these incidents. The suit also highlights a specific case in November 2023, where swastikas were drawn on posters of Israeli hostages.

Garrett claims the college delayed removing the graffiti for hours, citing bureaucratic and legal reasons. A spokesperson for Hunter College declined to comment but reiterated the institution's stance against antisemitism and hate.

* Ynet contributed to this article.