Introduction to the Incident
CHICAGO — Two Jewish students at DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus who were attacked last November are suing the university, saying it failed to protect them.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday morning, is asking for both physical and emotional damages to be awarded to the students.
Background of the Attack
Last November, Max Long, a first-year DePaul student and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist, says he was speaking his truth about antisemitism when two masked men, who were captured on camera, knocked him to the ground and beat him —causing a concussion.
Photos provided by Chicago police show two persons of interest wanted in connection with the attack of two DePaul students on the university’s Lincoln Park campus.
Micheal Kaminsky stepped in to help and was also injured. He needed surgery on his wrist.
Call for Reform
‘Stop the Hate:’ Jewish DePaul students call for reform after on-campus attack
University’s Response to the Incident
The men say a DePaul security officer did nothing to help.
"The lawsuit seeks to hold DePaul accountable for it’s failure to protect it’s Jewish students," said Jaclyn Clark, Lawfair Project Attorney.
Both Jewish men say they reported antisemitism directed at them, and other Jewish students, to the university prior to the attack.
Students’ Experience and Fears
"DePaul has failed me, not just as a student, but as a human being. Universities are supposed to be places of information, safety and dialog. But instead, they become platforms for fear, mob rule and censorship," said Long.
They say they continue to be threatened and the target of antisemitic slurs.
"Yet the university continues to persist there is nothing they can do," Kaminsky said.
Attorneys’ Hope for the Lawsuit
Attorneys for the pair hope this lawsuit changes that, and forces more protection for Jewish students on college campuses across the country.
"We also hope this case will serve as a cautionary tale for colleges and universities across the country. You must take swift and decisive action now to protect your Jewish students," said Attorney Clark.
Ongoing Investigation
Chicago police are still searching for the suspects involved in the attack. WGN News has reached out to Depaul University for a response to the lawsuit, but have not yet heard back.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against DePaul University highlights the need for colleges and universities to take concrete steps to protect their Jewish students from antisemitism and ensure a safe learning environment. It also underscores the importance of holding educational institutions accountable for their failure to address hate crimes and provide adequate support to victims.
FAQs
- Q: What is the basis of the lawsuit against DePaul University?
A: The lawsuit alleges that DePaul University failed to protect two Jewish students who were attacked on campus and seeks damages for physical and emotional harm. - Q: What happened during the attack?
A: Two masked men attacked a Jewish student who was speaking about antisemitism, causing him a concussion, and another student who intervened was also injured, requiring wrist surgery. - Q: Did the university take any action prior to the attack?
A: The students reported incidents of antisemitism to the university before the attack, but claim the university did not take adequate action to protect them. - Q: What do the attorneys for the students hope to achieve with this lawsuit?
A: The attorneys hope the lawsuit will prompt DePaul University and other colleges to take swift action to protect Jewish students and serve as a cautionary tale for institutions across the country.
