Settlement Reached in Legal Aid Union Discrimination Lawsuit
The union representing Legal Aid lawyers, which is funded by taxpayer money, has decided to resolve a discrimination lawsuit that was initiated by members who reportedly opposed an anti-Israel resolution deemed anti-Semitic.
The Legal Aid Lawyers Association, a chapter of UAW Local 2325, will pay $315,000 to three lawmakers who advocate for Israel and admitted that some remarks made against them were “inappropriate.”
“We’re glad for our clients, and we hope this marks a significant moment for Jews and their supporters across the nation, especially in their ongoing battles against the vilification of Israel and the Jewish community. This shouldn’t overshadow the essential issues of better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” expressed Rory Lancman, who led the plaintiffs’ case as senior counsel at the Brandeis Center.
The settlement will also require that union members undergo mandatory training.
This lawsuit was brought forth by the Center for Human Rights under Louis Brandeis Law, a Jewish civil rights organization.
Previously, the association had initiated an expulsion process for three Nassau County legislators—Ilana Kopmer, Diane Clark, and Isaac Altman—after they filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking a resolution that condemned Israel’s military actions while ignoring Hamas, which had launched an attack on October 7, 2023.
Notably, two of the plaintiffs identify as Jewish.
The contentious resolution not only rejects all past and future U.S. military aid to Israel but also supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against the nation, a stance that some view as anti-Semitic.
In their federal complaint, the plaintiffs reported being labeled as “snitches,” “losers,” “nasties,” “dictators in training,” and “Zionist ghouls” on the union’s internal communications.
Plaintiff Ilana Kopmer stated that they opposed what she called an “anti-Semitic resolution.” She emphasized their struggle against the union’s attempt to intimidate and silence them, expressing pride in their collective fight and hoping that this outcome will deter similar retaliatory actions by unions in the future.
Isaac Altman, another plaintiff, mentioned intending to donate part of the settlement to Magen David Adom, which is Israel’s emergency medical services organization.
He expressed relief in concluding this chapter and highlighted the significance of their stance for their community.
By adopting a divisive resolution against Israel, the ALAA contradicted the stance of its employer, the Legal Aid Society, which receives extensive funding from state and city resources, and adheres to a policy of non-involvement in international political conflicts.
The Legal Aid Society criticized the resolution, stating it “contains coded anti-Semitic language and thinly veiled calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.”
Brandeis Center President Kenneth Marcus remarked on the rise of anti-Semitism within labor unions, comparing it to similar occurrences on college campuses. He noted the irony in both scenarios, suggesting that environments meant to promote social justice and workplace equality should not harbor such prejudice.
“Unions should stand for justice and equality. It is disconcerting to see deep-seated biases manifest in these spaces, and this settlement represents progress in combatting anti-Semitism in the labor sector,” he added.
As of now, there has been no response from the ALAA union regarding the settlement.
In the accepted agreement, the union acknowledged that certain communications from various viewpoints were detrimental to its members and inappropriate.
