Cooper Union, the private Manhattan college, has reached an agreement to resolve a lawsuit accusing it of not protecting Jewish students during a 2023 protest.
The settlement, revealed Thursday, introduces new measures to ensure a safer environment and meet federal anti-discrimination rules.
Key Changes Under the Deal
The college committed to:
- Hiring a dedicated coordinator to handle bias and harassment complaints
- Requiring training for staff and students on campus policies
- Banning masks at protests to identify participants
- Providing financial compensation to the 10 student plaintiffs (amount not disclosed)
Origins of the Case
The suit stemmed from an October 2023 pro-Palestinian demonstration where Jewish students were kept inside the library for safety as protesters banged on doors and shouted outside.
The students claimed administrators did not act firmly and even blocked police help. A federal judge allowed the case to proceed in 2024, ruling free speech does not override safety obligations.
Broader Context in U.S. Campuses
Cooper Union joins other top schools like Harvard, NYU and Columbia in addressing similar claims through policy updates or settlements amid rising concerns over campus antisemitism.
Ziporah Reich from the Lawfare Project, representing the students, said: “Jewish learners should study without fear or exclusion based on their background. Colleges must uphold this duty.”
The no-mask rule aims to boost responsibility during demonstrations at the East Village campus, potentially influencing other specialized institutions.
