Condemning Discriminatory Harassment

Condemning Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Discriminatory Harassment

Although antisemitism and anti-Muslim discrimination, often referred to as Islamophobia, have been on the rise in the U.S. and around the world for some time, the brutal massacre of Israeli civilians at the hands of Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the devastating death toll of Palestinian civilians in Israel’s military response, have resulted in a dramatic increase in antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, and anti-Muslim harassment worldwide, in the U.S., and on American college campuses. Vassar vigorously condemns these and all other forms of demeaning speech based on negative stereotypes about any particular demographic group.

Definitions

Defining antisemitism has always been a complex and evolving process, resulting in some differing formulations. Commonly used definitions include:

All three documents acknowledge that antisemitism can contribute to discrimination, prejudice, hostility, or violence against individuals or institutions because they are Jewish or associated with being Jewish, and each describes conditions that may significantly hinder the ability of Jewish people to participate fully in societal or communal groups or institutions.

Defining anti-Muslim discrimination and prejudice is also complex. While often referred to as Islamophobia, this term can be a misnomer if it is understood to imply that anti-Muslim bias is simply a psychological state of fear, or "phobia." Rather, Islamophobia is both a form of religious discrimination and a form of racism, because it imputes distorted stereotypes about Islam and Muslims not only to self-identified Muslims and Muslim organizations, but also to people who are presumed to be Muslim by virtue of their national origin, ethnic background, appearance, name, or dress. The following sources offer useful overviews of anti-Muslim discrimination and Islamophobia:

Legal Protections

Legal protection against antisemitism and Islamophobia, and related forms of discrimination and harassment, is provided under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity, or a person’s limited English proficiency or English learner status (Title VI “protected class”). The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the Department of Education (ED) enforces Title VI at colleges and universities, and provides technical guidance on Title VI obligations—including the requirement to promptly and effectively address alleged acts of discrimination and harassment. On campus, Vassar’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct incorporates all of the protections required under Title VI.

While Vassar condemns all forms of antisemitic or anti-Muslim/Islamophobic speech, not all instances of such speech constitute a violation of Vassar’s policies or a violation of Title VI. As with all civil rights complaints, the inquiry into whether a particular act constitutes discrimination prohibited by Title VI requires a detailed analysis of the allegations to determine whether, based on the totality of the circumstances, the conduct is subjectively and objectively offensive and so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the institution’s educational program or activity. Additionally, the Supreme Court has a history of protecting offensive and hateful expression under the First Amendment right to free speech.

Reporting

Vassar College takes seriously all reports about possible violations of its Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct. The Office for Institutional Equity reviews all reports to determine whether there is evidence that a violation of our policy may have occurred. In such cases, the Title VI Coordinator informs the harmed party of available resources on- and off-campus as well as resolution options that can include a College investigation, informal resolution (mediation), or an administrative hearing. 

Even when a preliminary investigation finds that hateful and demeaning speech is protected as free speech and does not constitute a violation of our policies, the College works with affected individuals to provide supportive measures. Vassar also uses these reports to regularly assess the broader campus climate and take necessary steps to identify and end a hostile environment, remedy its effects, and prevent its recurrence.

If you have concerns regarding physical safety, or to report a crime,

Report acts of discrimination or harassment, including those based on a Title VI, by contacting the Office for Institutional Equity. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours). Someone from the Office for Institutional Equity will contact the reporting party ordinarily within 24 business hours.

Issued: August 26, 2024
Revised: September 29, 2025