A $77 million class-action lawsuit has been brought against McMaster University and the McMaster Students Union on behalf of Jewish students at the university.
The lawsuit alleges Jewish students have faced increased difficulties due to a rise in antisemitic rhetoric on campus since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
Diamond and Diamond cites a vigil organized by Jewish student groups that had to be moved to a secret location for safety reasons, as well as a McMaster teaching assistant who allegedly supported the public display of a swastika outside Canada’s Parliament Hill, as examples.
“Behavior that encourages hatred, violence, discrimination or interferes with the educational atmosphere, as stated in the ‘Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities,’ reflects a breach in the University’s responsibility,” said Sandra Zisckind, managing partner of Diamond and Diamond Lawyers. “Section 319 of the Criminal Code categorizes the public incitement of hatred, the deliberate promotion of hatred, and the intentional promotion of antisemitism as criminal offences.”
The plaintiffs encompass all Jewish students currently enrolled at McMaster University and those who have graduated from the university within the past two years, according to the firm.
The plaintiffs additionally claim that the university’s Students Union has supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement since 2015 and maintains its backing for the movement’s activities on campus. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the BDS movement as “antisemitic and contrary to Canadian values.”
The lawsuit is in partnership with The Lawfare Project (LP), an organization dedicated to protecting the civil and human rights of Jewish people through legal action.
LP announced the partnership late last month, stating a goal to collaborate on high-impact cases, leverage their networks to mobilize resources and provide comprehensive legal guidance to “ensure that justice is served for the Jewish community in Canada.”
