Case Particulars

Tribunal

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Date Filed

March 19, 2026

Docket No.

N/A

Case Status

Letter Submitted

Case Overview

The Legal Insurrection Foundation’s Intersectionality Project submitted comments to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights arguing that intersectionality has become a dominant ideological framework on American college campuses and is a significant driver of contemporary antisemitism. The submission contends that intersectionality categorizes individuals and groups through a binary of “oppressor” and “oppressed,” encouraging coalition-building among perceived marginalized groups while assigning Jews—and Israel—to an “oppressor” status. This framework has moved beyond its original academic purpose and now shapes campus culture, discourse, and activism in ways that marginalize Jewish students and viewpoints.

The submission further asserts that intersectional ideology has led to the widespread adoption of anti-Zionist narratives in academic and campus settings, often portraying Israel using highly charged terms such as “colonialist,” “racist,” or “genocidal.” It argues that these narratives are not limited to criticism of specific Israeli policies but instead challenge the legitimacy of Israel’s existence, while also stigmatizing individuals who do not adopt this perspective. As a result, Jewish students, faculty, and staff—regardless of their personal views—may face social, academic, and professional consequences, including exclusion or harassment, particularly in environments where such viewpoints dominate with limited institutional pushback.

Finally, the submission links this ideological framework to real-world consequences, citing incidents of campus unrest, alleged violence, and broader acts of antisemitism. It argues that intersectionality fosters an environment in which hostility toward Jews is normalized, excused, or even rewarded, both within academia and beyond. The submission concludes that this framework undermines open dialogue, distorts academic inquiry, and contributes to a climate that is incompatible with the educational mission of colleges and universities, urging policymakers to address its influence as part of efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.