$21 Million Payout Process Begins in Columbia University Antisemitism Settlement with EEOC

NEW YORK – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the opening of the claims process following establishment of Columbia University’s $21 million class settlement fund.

Initial communications to potential claimants will be distributed by both the EEOC claims administrator and Columbia University today. Participating in the claims process is voluntary and free, and submitting a claim form does not obligate a person to participate further in the claims process. While individuals are welcome to choose to retain an attorney, individuals do not need an attorney to participate in the process.

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.

“The Trump administration remains firmly focused on addressing antisemitism in all settings, including the workplace — and universities are workplaces too. Every employee deserves an environment free from harassment tied to their faith or Jewish identity,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “We commend Columbia for providing a robust claims fund to remedy any antisemitism harassment experienced by its employees. Employees, including student employees, who may have been affected are encouraged to file a claim.”

The EEOC encourages individuals who believe they are eligible to visit https://www.eeoccolumbiasettlement.com for more information and to complete a claim form. The EEOC will use the claim form to determine eligibility and how much monetary compensation an individual is entitled to receive.

Questions about the settlement, making a claim, receiving, completing or submitting a claim form, or other process-related questions can be directed to the Columbia University settlement claims administrator, CPT Group Class Action Administrators, at 1-888-400-1586 or by email at EEOCColumbiaSettlement@cptgroup.com. The claims process is expected to close in June 2026.

The EEOC’s investigation of antisemitism at Columbia University was initiated by a Commissioner’s Charge filed in June 2024 by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace harassment based on religion, race/ethnicity and national origin, which may occur when an employee is subjected to unwelcome remarks or conduct based on one or more of these protected categories. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Severe or pervasive antisemitic conduct — like physical or verbal harassment, intimidation, ridicule, or insults – can alter working conditions and create an abusive working environment in violation of Title VII.

The EEOC encourages the public to view multiple resources provided by the agency and Chair Lucas to help employees and employers address antisemitism at work:

• EEOC Fact Sheet: What To Do if You Face Antisemitism at Work May 2023
• EEOC’s Unanimous Resolution Condemning Violence, Harassment, and Bias Against Jewish Persons in the United States: Resolution of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Condemning Violence, Harassment, and Bias Against Jewish Persons in the United States | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• EEOC’s Religious Discrimination Enforcement Guidance: Section 12: Religious Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Training on Combating Antisemitism in the Workplace by Chair (then Commissioner) Lucas with the Louis D. Brandeis Center: Combatting Antisemitism in the Workplace | Monday, January 10, 2022

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

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.