Federal Court Denies Attempt to Dismiss Discrimination Lawsuit Brought on Behalf of Jewish Israeli Graduate Student
In a significant victory, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has denied the MGH Institute of Health Professions’ (MGH-IHP) attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by The Lawfare Project and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of a Jewish Israeli graduate student, alleges a sustained pattern of antisemitic hostility, discrimination, and retaliation within the school's highly regarded Doctor of Physical Therapy program. MGH-IHP moved to dismiss the plaintiff's claims of intentional discrimination and harassment based on a hostile educational environment under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and to dismiss or strike the plaintiff's request for compensatory damages.
The deliberate actions taken by MGH-IHP obstructed the student’s academic advancement and wrongfully denied him the doctorate degree he earned. The lawsuit also asserts claims of retaliation in violation of Title VI, breach of contract, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
"This ruling is a critical acknowledgment of the severity of antisemitism in educational institutions, affirming the importance of holding schools accountable for hostile and discriminatory conduct,” said Benjamin Ryberg, attorney and COO of The Lawfare Project. “Jewish students deserve the same protections against harassment and discrimination as any other minority group, and we will continue to fight for our client until justice is fully served."
On March 17, 2025, the court rejected MGH-IHP’s claims that allegations of discrimination were time-barred or insufficiently severe, instead finding that the plaintiff had plausibly alleged both intentional discrimination and a hostile educational environment. Additionally, the court declined to dismiss the student's request for compensatory damages, recognizing that the allegations, if proven, could constitute "extreme and outrageous conduct" warranting emotional distress damages. The lawsuit will now proceed with all of the student's claims preserved.
"The court’s decision is an important step toward holding educational institutions accountable when they fail to protect students from discrimination,” said Debra Bogo-Ernst, Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and co-counsel on the case. “Our client courageously stood against repeated and systemic mistreatment, and this ruling validates that these serious claims must be heard."
The Lawfare Project remains committed to vigorously advocating for the rights of Jewish students and combating antisemitism in educational institutions across the United States.