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🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

Quebec court allows class action lawsuit against McGill University over alleged campus antisemitism

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A Quebec court has authorized a class action lawsuit against McGill University on behalf of Jewish students, alleging failure to address campus antisemitism.
  • The lawsuit claims McGill did not reasonably enforce policies against antisemitic and anti-Zionist conduct, depriving Jewish students of a safe environment since October 8, 2023.
  • McGill argued that the allegations lacked specific details on actions it should have taken, and that many protesters were third parties not subject to university discipline.

A Quebec court has permitted a class action lawsuit, backed by B’nai Brith, to proceed against McGill University. The suit is filed on behalf of Jewish students who allege the university failed to adequately address antisemitic and anti-Zionist conduct on campus, thereby compromising their safety and well-being.

The Superior Court of Quebec, in a written judgment, authorized plaintiff David Cobrin to institute the class action. The court found that the cause of action "stands a chance at trial and deserved to be heard." The lawsuit, initiated by law firm FFMP, represents all Jewish students registered at McGill University from October 8, 2023, onwards. It seeks compensation for students who claim they were deprived of a safe, welcoming, and respectful university environment.

authorizes plaintiff David Cobrin to institute a class action against McGill University on behalf of a group of Jewish students registered at McGill

— Hon. Dominique PoulinThe Superior Court of Quebec judge authorized the class action lawsuit in her written judgment.

Allegations in the lawsuit point to specific incidents, including an anti-Israel encampment involving figures associated with extremist groups and banned student organizations. One such group, Students in Solidarity with Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR), is accused of glorifying Hamas attacks on October 7 and 8, and later promoting a "Week of Rage." Plaintiff Cobrin reportedly witnessed protesters breaching barriers and heard antisemitic chants, which he described as fearful.

McGill University contested the lawsuit, arguing that the allegations did not provide specific measures the university should have taken or demonstrate why such actions would have been more appropriate. The university also contended that many protesters were external parties not under its disciplinary authority. Judge Dominique Poulin acknowledged that courts typically do not intervene in university decisions unless exceptional circumstances exist, but found the current case merited further legal examination.

stands a chance at trial and deserved to be heard.

— Hon. Dominique PoulinThe judge stated the legal merits of the class action lawsuit against McGill University.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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