Jewish Student Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Columbia University

A Jewish graduate student who claimed she was expelled from her program for observing the Sabbath has reached a settlement with Columbia University concerning a religious discrimination lawsuit. Details of the settlement, pursued with the assistance of Lawfare Project and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, remain confidential. However, Ziporah Reich from Lawfare Project indicated that it includes financial compensation and additional support.

Reich remarked on the outcome, stating, “These results show the impact of legal action in driving meaningful change. We proudly support the courageous student who stood up for her rights.” A university spokesperson confirmed the settlement, noting that they agreed upon a private resolution without admitting liability.

The student in question, Mackenzie Forest, an Orthodox Jew from Florida, alleged she was removed from the Dialectical Behavior Therapy program within Columbia’s School of Social Work. Forest had chosen the school specifically for this program but faced challenges when she informed the program director, Dr. Andre Ivanov, that her observance of the Jewish Sabbath would prevent her from participating in certain activities. According to court filings, Ivanov labeled her observance a “problem.”

Following the outbreak of anti-Semitism on campus, Forest had requested to attend classes remotely owing to safety concerns amid rising verbal and physical abuse against Jewish students. Initially, she was granted some leniency regarding her religious practices, but as events unfolded, it became clear that her requests were not well-received. Ivanov suggested that she would need permission from her rabbi to miss certain workshops, ultimately assigning her alternative coursework instead.

Post-October 7th, 2023 events intensified in Columbia University, prompting further discussion around discrimination. Forest alleged that fears she had about the campus environment contributed to her struggle, claiming that she faced retaliation despite her strong academic performance.

This case has opened conversations about how universities handle religious observances, particularly in light of increasing tensions. Forest reported that she had never received feedback indicating poor performance during her internships, yet found herself at risk of failing.