New York University grants "protected class" status to Zionists amid pro-Palestine protests

New York University (NYU) has revised its 'hate speech and harassment' guidelines to include criticism of Zionism as a discriminatory act.

According to the new measure, anyone who identifies as a “Zionist” comes under the category of a "protected class".

Pro-Palestinian groups argued that it conflates Zionism with Judaism and will stifle protests against Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

The updated guidelines, released last Thursday, stated that speech and conduct targeting Zionists can violate the non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy.

"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.

The NYU chapter of Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (NYU FSJP) condemned the move, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that could also shield other ethnonationalist movements 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.

Last year, pro-Palestinian protests called for an end to the university's investments in companies profiting from Israel's war on Gaza. 

NYU has maintained ties with Israeli institutions and holds investments in weapons companies servicing Israel.

Israel's war on Gaza has resulted in devastating losses, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed, including 16,456 children and 11,000 women.

The United Nations reported that two-thirds of buildings across the Gaza Strip have been "damaged or destroyed." Israeli attacks have also killed at least 270 aid workers.

The restrictions on food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies have exacerbated the crisis.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Israel to ensure basic services and humanitarian aid delivery in the besieged enclave.

Earlier, the Palestinian government's information office reported that almost 1.7 million Gazans had been displaced due to relentless air and artillery strikes by the Israeli military.