New York University adopts measures declaring 'Zionists' a protected class
New York University (NYU) has changed its guidelines around hate speech and harassment to include the criticism of Zionism as a discriminatory act.
The new measure places anyone who identifies as a "Zionist" under the category of a protected class, which shields the group from being subject to "discriminatory comments".
Pro-Palestinian groups responded to the news with alarm, saying that the new guidelines effectively equate Zionism with Judaism and will have a chilling effect on the ability of students and faculty to be able to protest against Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
"For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity. Speech and conduct that would violate the NDAH (non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy) if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the NDAH if directed toward Zionists," read the new guidelines from NYU, which were released last Thursday.
