On August 22, 2024 Zioness hosted a panel discussion in Chicago on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago titled “Antisemitism in the Academy: A Deep Dive on Free Speech, Academic Freedom, and Campus Climate.” The event featured distinguished speakers, including constitutional law scholar Erwin Chemerinsky and U.S. Department of Education official Catherine E. Lhamon, who shared their insights on the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack. The discussion centered on the complexities of addressing antisemitism within the framework of academic freedom and the First Amendment.
Amanda Berman, Founder and CEO of Zioness, moderated the panel, guiding the conversation through the challenges and legal intricacies of balancing free speech with the need to protect students from discrimination. Panelists highlighted personal experiences and the legal responsibilities of universities in handling antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campuses. Lhamon emphasized the role of Title VI and the importance of enforcing anti-discrimination laws in educational institutions, while Chemerinsky pointed out how quickly anti-Zionism can morph into antisemitism. The event underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and resources to combat this growing issue in academic environments.
Please read more about the event via the article here.