As the world watched, Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people, including 30 Americans, and injuring more than 5,400. But in the aftermath, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. That's one in every 200 people, or .5% of the population. As a result of both actions, hate crimes are on the rise on college campuses, with students and faculty reporting antisemitism and anti-Arab or anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions.

If you're a college student or employee facing religious or other discrimination in the wake of October 7th, you have options. The experienced Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you with Title VI complaints and lawsuits nationwide. Call them at 888-535-3686 to schedule your consultation.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. This includes colleges and universities that receive federal funding. At the same time, Title VI doesn't appear to apply to religious discrimination at first glance; that changed in 2019. In that year, the Trump administration expanded the definition of Title VI to include antisemitism. The Executive Order included “discrimination rooted in antisemitism.” The order states:

While Title VI does not cover discrimination based on religion, individuals who face discrimination based on race, color, or national origin do not lose protection under Title VI for also being a member of a group that shares common religious practices. Discrimination against Jews may give rise to a Title VI violation when the discrimination is based on an individual's race, color, or national origin.

The Trump administration also urged federal officials to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, which includes:

• Comparing current Israeli policies to those of the Nazis, and
• Holding all Jewish people responsible for the state actions of Israel.

The most recent suit complaint filed under this interpretation came before the October 7, 2023, attack and Israel's response in Gaza. The letter came from Oberlin College, where a student complained that a professor taught college students that “Israel is an illegitimate settler colonial apartheid regime.”

In the wake of the Trump administration's 2019 interpretation and increased antisemitism on campuses after October 7th, we're likely to see a surge of Title VI lawsuits based on the 2019 Executive Order.

You Need the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm

If you're facing discrimination or antisemitism on a college or university campus, you don't have to deal with this alone. You have rights, and the skilled Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. They've been fighting for the rights of people like you on college campuses across the country for years. Find out how they can protect your rights, too. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule your consultation, or contact them online.