Condemning Discriminatory Harassment

Condemning Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Discriminatory Harassment

Although antisemitism and 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 Islamophobic harassment worldwide, in the U.S., and on American college campuses. Vassar vigorously opposes these and all other forms of discrimination and harassment.

Definitions

Defining antisemitism has always been a complex and evolving process, resulting in some differing formulations. Influential 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 Islamophobia has also been beset by similar challenges. Influential definitions include the

These documents, in addition to others, use Islamophobia as the widely accepted term for anti-Muslim racism. Islamophobia is an ideology and a form of structural discrimination that sustains and perpetuates negative stereotypes of Islam, Muslims, and people presumed to be Muslim. 

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). On campus, Vassar’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct incorporates all of the protections required under Title VI.

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. 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, Executive Order 13899 (issued on December 11, 2019), requires federal entities enforcing Title VI to consider the legally non-binding working definition of antisemitism adopted by the IHRA, along with its “Contemporary Examples of Anti-Semitism,” to the extent that they might be useful as evidence of discriminatory intent. Importantly, the Executive Order also makes clear that, in considering this definition and the examples, the “agencies shall not diminish or infringe upon any right protected under Federal law or under the First Amendment.” See:  OCR’s questions and answers (Q&A) document, which provides information about the Executive Order, Title VI, OCR’s enforcement of Title VI. 

Reporting

Vassar College takes seriously all reports about possible violations of its Interim Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct. In addition to offering supportive measures, the Office for Institutional Equity works with affected individuals to inform them of available resources on- and off-campus, and resolution options that can include a College investigation, informal resolutions, or an administrative hearing. The College 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 Protected Class, 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