Cooper Union Tackles Campus Harassment

New York, NY — Cooper Union, a prestigious school in New York, has agreed to implement changes to combat antisemitism and other forms of harassment on its campus. This decision follows a legal battle with ten Jewish students who alleged the school failed to protect them during a protest.

Students' Claims and School's Response

The students reported being locked in a library to escape pro-Palestinian demonstrators, feeling unsupported by the school. In response, Cooper Union has promised to:

• Create a new role to address discrimination issues
• Train staff and students on policies
• Ban masks at protests to ensure accountability

The school will also compensate the affected students.

Broader Context

This case is part of a larger trend in the U.S., where numerous colleges face lawsuits over antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.

Details of the Incident

The protest at Cooper Union occurred on October 25, 2023. Demonstrators banged on doors and windows, chanting slogans, making students inside feel unsafe. The school did not intervene or accept police assistance. A judge later ruled that free speech did not justify the school's inaction.

About Cooper Union

Cooper Union offers degrees in art, architecture, and engineering and is located in Manhattan's East Village. This case underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech and safety on college campuses.