Karen Fiss v. California College of the Arts - N.D. Cal - Case No. 4:24-cv-03415-HSG

Dr. Karen Fiss, a full professor at California College of the Arts, is suing the institution for employment discrimination based on religion and ethnic origin under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She alleges that CCA has fostered a hostile environment that is particularly antagonistic toward Jewish individuals and pro-Israel views.

CCA has become an "ideological orthodox factory" enforcing a single acceptable view on issues relating to the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the history of the Middle East. This environment has allegedly led to the ostracism and marginalization of Jewish students and faculty.

Dr. Fiss has faced threats of dismissal for her refusal to comply with student demands to denounce Israel and for challenging the dominant anti-Israel narrative at CCA. Jewish students have also faced harassment and pressure to conform to pro-Palestinian views.

The lawsuit describes how CCA has consistently failed to address antisemitism, while actively supporting other minority groups. Dr. Fiss points to the lack of statements condemning violence against Jews, even when such violence occurred near CCA's location, contrasting this with the numerous statements CCA made in support of other causes.

The complaint highlights specific incidents, such as an Instagram post by CCA's Critical Ethnic Studies program that praised Hamas's actions on October 7, 2023. The post was supported by various CCA administrators and faculty, further illustrating the institutional bias against Israel and Jews.

Despite complaints from Dr. Fiss and others, CCA allegedly dismissed concerns about antisemitism and continued to defend the actions and statements that Dr. Fiss and others found discriminatory.

The lawsuit is brought under federal and state laws, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on religion and ethnic origin. The complaint also references determinations by the U.S. Department of Education that discrimination against Zionists is a form of antisemitism and thus violates Title VI.

Media Coverage

Jewish News Syndicate: Lawsuit: Jews endure ‘pervasive ostracization’ at California College of Arts

The Potrero View: California College of the Arts Accused of Antisemitism

Jewish News of Northern California: Professor’s lawsuit says antisemitism is ‘entrenched’ at California College of the Arts

Important Docket Entries

1 - Complaint against California College of the Arts, filed by Karen Fiss on June 6, 2024. Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C, Exhibit D, Exhibit E, Exhibit F, Exhibit G, Exhibit H, Exhibit I, Exhibit J, Exhibit K, Exhibit L, Exhibit M, Exhibit N, Exhibit O, Exhibit P.

19 - Motion to Dismiss filed by California College of the Arts on August 8.

30 - First Amended Complaint filed by Karen Fiss on September 5, 2024.

35 - Motion to Dismiss First Amended Complaint filed by California College of the Arts on October 15.

38 - Opposition to Dismiss filed by Karen Fiss on November 5, 2024.

43 - Amicus Brief filed by Zachor Legal Institute on November 13, 2024.

44 - Reply in support of Motion to Dismiss filed by California College of the Arts on November 19, 2024.

45 - Motion to Strike filed by California College of the Arts on November 19, 2024

48 - Opposition to Motion to Strike Filed by Karen Fiss on December 12, 2024

48-1 Declaration of Jonathan Wornick 

48-2 College Stands by Antisemitic Instagram Post by Jonathan Wornick

48-3 Petition to Change Wornick Trust

48-4 Order Granting Change to Wonick Trust

48-5 Declaration of Dr. Asaf Romiorowsky

49 - Reply in support of Motion to Strike filed by California College of the Arts on December 30, 2024

51 - Response to Amicus filed by California College of the Arts on December 30, 2024 

53 - January 13, 2025 Order Denying California College of the Arts' Motions to Dismiss and Strike

54 - Second Amended Complaint filed by Karen Fiss on February 4, 2025