New York University anti-harassment guidelines identify Zionists as 'protected class'

New York University (NYU) has introduced new measures defining criticism of Zionism as a discriminatory act, raising concerns about a crackdown on legitimate criticism of the ideology and the state of Israel.

The updated guidelines on hate speech and harassment categorise those who identify as Zionists as a protected class, shielding them from "adverse treatment".

"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 released last week.

"Using code words, like 'Zionist', does not eliminate the possibility that your speech violates the NDAH [Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment] Policy," read another part of the guidelines.

Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine's (FJSP) NYU chapter said on Sunday that the move was an "alarming development" aimed at shutting down criticism of Israel.

"The new guidance sets a dangerous precedent by extending Title VI protections to anyone who adheres to Zionism, a nationalist political ideology, and troublingly equates criticism of Zionism with discrimination against Jewish people," the statement read.

"Furthermore, the new guidance implies that any nationalist political ideology (Hindu nationalism, Christian nationalism, etc.) that is integrated into some members of that group’s understanding of their own racial or ethnic identity should be entitled to civil rights protections."

FJSP also highlighted NYU's 2020 adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which critics say falsely equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

NYU's updated guidelines come as the university prepares for the new semester in September. 

When Gaza protests broke out across US college campuses earlier this year, NYU called in police in April to remove students and dismantle an encampment.

Protests at Yale, Columbia, and other university campuses across the country saw harsh crackdowns by university authorities and police.

Students set up encampments to urge their institutions to divest from and cut ties with Israel.

NYU runs a study abroad programme allowing students to take up a place at their Tel Aviv campus.

On Wednesday, police arrested at least four pro-Palestine protesters at the University of Michigan after the campus' Festifall event.

"For more than an hour, they were given multiple warnings that made clear they were blocking pedestrian traffic and violating university policy," Colleen Mastony, the campus assistant vice president for public affairs, said in a statement.

"Most eventually dispersed, although some refused to leave, and as a result, four people were arrested," the statement added.