Columbia University Begins Payout of $21 Million EEOC Settlement: What You Should Know

OVERVIEW:

Current or former Columbia employees, including current or former student employees, who believe they experienced harassment in the workplace between Oct. 7, 2023, and July 23, 2025, because of their Jewish faith, Jewish ancestry, and/or Israeli national origin, and/or because they objected to or complained about such harassment, are encouraged to participate in the claims process. Individuals do not have to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or a related state agency to participate in the claims process. There is no cost to participate and individuals do not have to have an attorney to participate in the claims process. Former student employees who already have graduated from Columbia, but were student employees during the relevant period, are eligible to participate.

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BACKGROUND:

Columbia University has paid $21 million for a class settlement fund to resolve alleged civil rights violations against Columbia employees occurring on its campus following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks. This settlement resolved EEOC charges, including a Commissioner’s Charge brought by EEOC Chair (then-Commissioner) Andrea Lucas in 2024 on behalf of a class of all Jewish employees, which alleged that since at least Oct. 7, 2023, Columbia engaged in a pattern or practice of harassment based on national origin, religion, and/or race, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII).

This resolution represents the largest EEOC public settlement in nearly 20 years for any form of discrimination or harassment. In addition, in the EEOC’s 60-year history, this is both the largest EEOC settlement for victims of antisemitism to date, as well as the most significant EEOC settlement for workers of any faith or religion.

As part of a broader agreement with the Trump administration, Columbia chose to voluntarily resolve these charges with the EEOC, without admission of liability, to avoid an extended dispute. Under the multi-year agreement with the EEOC, the Ivy League university has established a $21 million class claims fund to compensate employees who may have experienced antisemitism on Columbia’s campus post-Oct. 7, 2023. As announced by the White House, as part of a multi-agency agreement, Columbia also agreed to a $200 million fine, as well as robust compliance monitoring and other injunctive relief.

FAQ:

How do I know if I am eligible for part of the settlement?

Current or former Columbia employees, including student employees, who believe they experienced harassment in the workplace between Oct. 7, 2023, and July 23, 2025 because of their Jewish faith, Jewish ancestry, and/or Israeli national origin, and/or because they objected to or complained about such harassment, are encouraged to participate in the claims process. Individuals do not have to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or a related state agency to participate in the claims process.

Completing a claims form from the settlement site is the best way to determine if you are eligible for a portion of the settlement fund.

How much does it cost to file a claim?

There is no cost for filing a claim, and filing a claim is voluntary. Employees of Columbia University between Oct. 7, 2023, and July 23, 2025, including student employees, who may have been affected are encouraged to file a claim.

Is the EEOC contacting me directly?

Initial communications to potential claimants will be distributed by both the EEOC claims administrator and Columbia University on Dec. 4, 2025. The claims administrator may issue additional communications during the filing period, but Columbia will not.

Who determines the amount awarded, if any?

The EEOC will use the claim information to decide if an individual is eligible to receive a share of the settlement fund and the monetary amount they are entitled to receive, if any.

When does the claims period end?

The claims process is expected to close in June 2026.

Watch:

If users experience technical issues with the claims site, they should contact CPT Group Class Action Administrators at 1-888-400-1586.