UMass Amherst under investigation for antisemitic assault claims

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating UMass Amherst for alleged antisemitic incidents on campus. This comes after a reported "violent antisemitic assault" involving a Jewish student following the Hamas attack on October 7. The investigation focuses on whether the university adequately responded to harassment based on the student's Jewish ancestry. The complaint was filed last April by several organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center. It claims that the university failed to protect a Jewish student who was attacked during a campus event. The student reported being punched and kicked, as well as having an Israeli flag taken from him and thrown away. UMass Amherst acknowledged the incident and stated that the alleged attacker was arrested and barred from campus. The university emphasized its commitment to preventing discrimination and has pledged to cooperate with the Department of Education’s investigation. This isn't the only investigation of its kind. Similar probes are underway at Yale University, American University, and Scripps College for complaints related to antisemitism. Advocates argue these investigations are necessary to ensure the safety and rights of Jewish students across the country. They express hope that the findings will lead to significant changes in campus climates.