Two students claim the University of Pennsylvania has violated the Civil Rights Act by not protecting Jewish students from antisemitism on campus

Two students from the University of Pennsylvania have filed a discrimination lawsuit against the institution, claiming that it has fostered an environment of anti-Jewish hatred, harassment, and discrimination. The suit alleges that the university violated the Civil Rights Act by failing to address the hostile environment and putting Jewish students at emotional and physical risk. The university spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation. The lawsuit cites incidents both before and after the October 7 attack on Israel, accusing the university of not enforcing its own policies to protect Jewish students. The suit alleges that Jewish students have faced targeted harassment by faculty members. The students are seeking legal action to prevent the university from implementing policies that discriminate against Jewish students and are asking for compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit comes amid controversy over President Liz Magill’s handling of antisemitism concerns, with calls for her removal.