US: 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.

"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.

The NYU chapter of Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (NYU FSJP) released a statement on Sunday condemning the move, saying that it sets a dangerous precedent which could also shield other ethnonationalist movements, such as Hindu nationalism and Christian nationalism, from criticism.

"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," NYU FSJP said.

"The new NDAH guidance represents an intensification of NYU’s year-long effort to censor criticism and criminalize protest of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza," NYU FSJP said in its latest statement.