As one of the five undergraduate colleges in the Claremont Colleges system, Pomona College offers access to a Hillel and Chabad and a campus rabbi.

Litigation & Investigations

In May 2024, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and ADL announced the filing of a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against Pomona College for permitting severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students.

In March 2025, Pomona was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI. That same month, the Education and Workforce Committee and the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee sent a letter to Pomona College seeking answers regarding their “lackluster response to the rise in antisemitism on their campuses.”

In December 2025, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Hillel International, and ADL announced a settlement with Pomona College to resolve claims that the College permitted severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In February 2024, the Associated Students of Pomona College (ASPC) organization held a campus-wide BDS referendum vote, resulting in overwhelming campus community support of divestment from companies linked to Israel and in support of an academic boycott of Israel. Pro-BDS flyering has also occurred, including in spaces where it is banned, such as dorms.

In May 2024, anti-Israel protestors abandoned an encampment they had established in favor of protesting at the commencement ceremony.

In August 2024, masked demonstrators disrupted the College’s convocation ceremony. That same month, at an anti-Israel rally organized by Pomona Divest from Apartheid at the home of the president of Pomona College, protesters chanted “Intifada, Intifada; Long live the Intifada” and “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution.”

In September 2024, a poster in a residence hall was vandalized with: "Heil Hitler."

In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack against Israel, hundreds of students from across the Claremont Colleges system walked out of their classes and occupied Pomona’s Carnegie Hall, demanding that Pomona “divest from weapons manufacturers who do business with Israel...because there can be no business as usual during genocide.” During the protest, a number of incidents occurred, including a masked student blaming Jews for the death of Jesus and “Intifada” and “from the river to the sea” being spray-painted on the walls of the building.

In October 2025, a private memorial for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks hosted by Hillel at Claremont Colleges was disrupted by protesters who shouted, "Zionists not welcome here," "Israel is not real," and accused attendees of being "complicit in genocide."

University Policies and Responsive Action

In advance of the February 2024 referendum vote, President Starr sent a college-wide email expressing concerns about the impact this referendum has on Jewish students and how the “referendum raises the specter of antisemitism.”

Pomona has investigated complaints and held judicial hearings on potential student code of conduct violations related to anti-Israel demonstrations. Moreover, during an April 2024 student-led anti-Israel demonstration that saw 150 students storm an administrative building and refuse to leave, Pomona College President Starr warned the students to leave or face disciplinary consequences. Following that event, several participants were arrested, and President Starr publicly announced that Pomona students who participated would be facing suspension and that participating students from other Claremont Colleges will be banned from Pomona’s campus.

Ahead of the 2024-25 academic year, Pomona College modified demonstration-related policies and added new dedicated campus safety staff. The College also established a ‘Year of Dialogue’ initiative to bring members of the campus community together across differences.

In advance of the October 2024 protest and Carnegie Hall occupation, the Administration was made aware of the planned walkout and the likelihood of disruption to the campus but did not organize increased security or clarify its policies pertaining to campus disruptions or time, place, and manner restrictions.  Although the Administration condemned the takeover and vandalism of Carnegie Hall and suspended those responsible for the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year, the College did not acknowledge or condemn the fact that antisemitism was prevalent throughout the protest.

As part of the December 2025 settlement of the ADL-Brandeis lawsuit, Pomona’s Non-Discrimination Policy and related training will be updated to reflect use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in identifying antisemitism. The College’s website will also be updated with detailed guidance on the Non-Discrimination Policy to provide clear, practical explanations of how antisemitism – including anti-Zionist harassment targeting Jewish students – violates Pomona’s policies and Title VI.

Pomona has also agreed to appoint a Title VI Coordinator and to ensure that the investigation and adjudication of antisemitism complaints are overseen by administrators trained to understand modern manifestations of antisemitism. Pomona will also implement significant policy updates governing student conduct, including strengthened time, place, and manner rules for demonstrations and a revised Encampment Policy. In addition, the agreement provides that the College will re-engage as a full participant in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) and will also establish an Advisory Council on Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism, which will include representation from the Executive Director of Claremont Hillel and Claremont Chabad.

In Spring 2026, the College officially launched the advisory council to address antisemitism.

*On April 13, 2026, following the submission of new information related to campus efforts to address antisemitism and strengthen Jewish life, Pomona College's 2026 grade was revised from C to B.

As one of the five undergraduate colleges in the Claremont Colleges system, Pomona College offers access to a Hillel and Chabad and a campus rabbi.

Litigation & Investigations

In May 2024, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and ADL announced the filing of a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against Pomona College for permitting severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students.

In March 2025, Pomona was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI. That same month, the Education and Workforce Committee and the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee sent a letter to Pomona College seeking answers regarding their “lackluster response to the rise in antisemitism on their campuses.”

In December 2025, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Hillel International, and ADL announced a settlement with Pomona College to resolve claims that the College permitted severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In February 2024, the Associated Students of Pomona College (ASPC) organization held a campus-wide BDS referendum vote, resulting in overwhelming campus community support of divestment from companies linked to Israel and in support of an academic boycott of Israel. Pro-BDS flyering has also occurred, including in spaces where it is banned, such as dorms.

In May 2024, anti-Israel protestors abandoned an encampment they had established in favor of protesting at the commencement ceremony.

In August 2024, masked demonstrators disrupted the College’s convocation ceremony. That same month, at an anti-Israel rally organized by Pomona Divest from Apartheid at the home of the president of Pomona College, protesters chanted “Intifada, Intifada; Long live the Intifada” and “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution.”

In September 2024, a poster in a residence hall was vandalized with: "Heil Hitler."

In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack against Israel, hundreds of students from across the Claremont Colleges system walked out of their classes and occupied Pomona’s Carnegie Hall, demanding that Pomona “divest from weapons manufacturers who do business with Israel...because there can be no business as usual during genocide.” During the protest, a number of incidents occurred, including a masked student blaming Jews for the death of Jesus and “Intifada” and “from the river to the sea” being spray-painted on the walls of the building.

In October 2025, a private memorial for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks hosted by Hillel at Claremont Colleges was disrupted by protesters who shouted, "Zionists not welcome here," "Israel is not real," and accused attendees of being "complicit in genocide."

University Policies and Responsive Action

In advance of the February 2024 referendum vote, President Starr sent a college-wide email expressing concerns about the impact this referendum has on Jewish students and how the “referendum raises the specter of antisemitism.”

Pomona has investigated complaints and held judicial hearings on potential student code of conduct violations related to anti-Israel demonstrations. Moreover, during an April 2024 student-led anti-Israel demonstration that saw 150 students storm an administrative building and refuse to leave, Pomona College President Starr warned the students to leave or face disciplinary consequences. Following that event, several participants were arrested, and President Starr publicly announced that Pomona students who participated would be facing suspension and that participating students from other Claremont Colleges will be banned from Pomona’s campus.

Ahead of the 2024-25 academic year, Pomona College modified demonstration-related policies and added new dedicated campus safety staff. The College also established a ‘Year of Dialogue’ initiative to bring members of the campus community together across differences.

In advance of the October 2024 protest and Carnegie Hall occupation, the Administration was made aware of the planned walkout and the likelihood of disruption to the campus but did not organize increased security or clarify its policies pertaining to campus disruptions or time, place, and manner restrictions.  Although the Administration condemned the takeover and vandalism of Carnegie Hall and suspended those responsible for the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year, the College did not acknowledge or condemn the fact that antisemitism was prevalent throughout the protest.

As part of the December 2025 settlement of the ADL-Brandeis lawsuit, Pomona’s Non-Discrimination Policy and related training will be updated to reflect use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in identifying antisemitism. The College’s website will also be updated with detailed guidance on the Non-Discrimination Policy to provide clear, practical explanations of how antisemitism – including anti-Zionist harassment targeting Jewish students – violates Pomona’s policies and Title VI.

Pomona has also agreed to appoint a Title VI Coordinator and to ensure that the investigation and adjudication of antisemitism complaints are overseen by administrators trained to understand modern manifestations of antisemitism. Pomona will also implement significant policy updates governing student conduct, including strengthened time, place, and manner rules for demonstrations and a revised Encampment Policy. In addition, the agreement provides that the College will re-engage as a full participant in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) and will also establish an Advisory Council on Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism, which will include representation from the Executive Director of Claremont Hillel and Claremont Chabad.

In Spring 2026, the College officially launched the advisory council to address antisemitism.

*On April 13, 2026, following the submission of new information related to campus efforts to address antisemitism and strengthen Jewish life, Pomona College's 2026 grade was revised from C to B.

As one of the five undergraduate colleges in the Claremont Colleges system, Pomona College offers access to a Hillel and Chabad and a campus rabbi.

Litigation & Investigations

In May 2024, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and ADL announced the filing of a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against Pomona College for permitting severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students.

In March 2025, Pomona was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI. That same month, the Education and Workforce Committee and the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee sent a letter to Pomona College seeking answers regarding their “lackluster response to the rise in antisemitism on their campuses.”

In December 2025, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Hillel International, and ADL announced a settlement with Pomona College to resolve claims that the College permitted severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In February 2024, the Associated Students of Pomona College (ASPC) organization held a campus-wide BDS referendum vote, resulting in overwhelming campus community support of divestment from companies linked to Israel and in support of an academic boycott of Israel. Pro-BDS flyering has also occurred, including in spaces where it is banned, such as dorms.

In May 2024, anti-Israel protestors abandoned an encampment they had established in favor of protesting at the commencement ceremony.

In August 2024, masked demonstrators disrupted the College’s convocation ceremony. That same month, at an anti-Israel rally organized by Pomona Divest from Apartheid at the home of the president of Pomona College, protesters chanted “Intifada, Intifada; Long live the Intifada” and “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution.”

In September 2024, a poster in a residence hall was vandalized with: "Heil Hitler."

In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack against Israel, hundreds of students from across the Claremont Colleges system walked out of their classes and occupied Pomona’s Carnegie Hall, demanding that Pomona “divest from weapons manufacturers who do business with Israel...because there can be no business as usual during genocide.” During the protest, a number of incidents occurred, including a masked student blaming Jews for the death of Jesus and “Intifada” and “from the river to the sea” being spray-painted on the walls of the building.

In October 2025, a private memorial for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks hosted by Hillel at Claremont Colleges was disrupted by protesters who shouted, "Zionists not welcome here," "Israel is not real," and accused attendees of being "complicit in genocide."

University Policies and Responsive Action

In advance of the February 2024 referendum vote, President Starr sent a college-wide email expressing concerns about the impact this referendum has on Jewish students and how the “referendum raises the specter of antisemitism.”

Pomona has investigated complaints and held judicial hearings on potential student code of conduct violations related to anti-Israel demonstrations. Moreover, during an April 2024 student-led anti-Israel demonstration that saw 150 students storm an administrative building and refuse to leave, Pomona College President Starr warned the students to leave or face disciplinary consequences. Following that event, several participants were arrested, and President Starr publicly announced that Pomona students who participated would be facing suspension and that participating students from other Claremont Colleges will be banned from Pomona’s campus.

Ahead of the 2024-25 academic year, Pomona College modified demonstration-related policies and added new dedicated campus safety staff. The College also established a ‘Year of Dialogue’ initiative to bring members of the campus community together across differences.

In advance of the October 2024 protest and Carnegie Hall occupation, the Administration was made aware of the planned walkout and the likelihood of disruption to the campus but did not organize increased security or clarify its policies pertaining to campus disruptions or time, place, and manner restrictions.  Although the Administration condemned the takeover and vandalism of Carnegie Hall and suspended those responsible for the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year, the College did not acknowledge or condemn the fact that antisemitism was prevalent throughout the protest.

As part of the December 2025 settlement of the ADL-Brandeis lawsuit, Pomona’s Non-Discrimination Policy and related training will be updated to reflect use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in identifying antisemitism. The College’s website will also be updated with detailed guidance on the Non-Discrimination Policy to provide clear, practical explanations of how antisemitism – including anti-Zionist harassment targeting Jewish students – violates Pomona’s policies and Title VI.

Pomona has also agreed to appoint a Title VI Coordinator and to ensure that the investigation and adjudication of antisemitism complaints are overseen by administrators trained to understand modern manifestations of antisemitism. Pomona will also implement significant policy updates governing student conduct, including strengthened time, place, and manner rules for demonstrations and a revised Encampment Policy. In addition, the agreement provides that the College will re-engage as a full participant in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) and will also establish an Advisory Council on Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism, which will include representation from the Executive Director of Claremont Hillel and Claremont Chabad.

In Spring 2026, the College officially launched the advisory council to address antisemitism.

*On April 13, 2026, following the submission of new information related to campus efforts to address antisemitism and strengthen Jewish life, Pomona College's 2026 grade was revised from C to B.