We have the power to influence laws, policies and attitudes by pursuing justice through the courts. We set precedent through litigation, defending individuals who have been targeted by hate or extremism and upholding our democracy. This critical aspect of ADL’s advocacy forges new frontiers as we honor our timeless mission: “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”
With the dramatic increase in antisemitism, and the continued rise in hate-based incidents, we turn to the law to create massive disincentives for those engaging in antisemitism, hate or extremism. It is critical that we hold people accountable for their actions and provide justice for individuals who have been targeted by hate.
On July 1, 2024, in a groundbreaking case, ADL and the law firm, Crowell & Moring LLP, filed a lawsuit to hold Iran, Syria and North Korea accountable for supporting Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel. This lawsuit will bring justice for victims and create a record of Hamas’ heinous brutality.
ADL Litigation Areas of Focus
As we seek to fight against antisemitism, extremism, harassment and discrimination, ADL’s litigation areas fall into these three areas of focus.
Antisemitism and Hate at K-12 & University Levels
Litigation to secure justice and challenge antisemitism and hate.
Online Hate and Harassment
Litigation pushing to enhance tech policy and secure safe spaces online.
Hate and Extremism
Litigation to counter extremist organizations and individuals.
Financial Discrepancies Cited in JVP’s PAC’s Income and Expense Reports
On June 3, 2024, ADL filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) charging Jewish Voice for Peace’s (JVP) political fundraising arm with numerous violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act and FEC regulations.
White Lives Matter Chapter Targets Church with Anti-LGBT Hate Crime Attack
On April 10, 2024, ADL and Jones Day filed a federal civil lawsuit against members of a White Lives Matter chapter in Ohio seeking compensatory and punitive damages for their involvement in a hate crime attack targeting the Community Church of Chesterland in March 2023.
Jan. 6, 2021 Attack on the U.S. Capitol
On December 14, 2021, ADL joined as co-counsel in filing a federal lawsuit on behalf of the District of Columbia to hold two violent groups, the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, and their leaders and key members accountable for the role they played in planning and carrying out the deadly January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Antisemitism and Hate at K-12 & University Levels
Litigation to secure justice and challenge antisemitism and hate.
Jewish & Israeli Students from Two CA Colleges Harassed by Protestors on Campus
In April 2024, ADL and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against two California colleges – Occidental and Pomona – for permitting severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish students in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
ADL and Brandeis Center File Title VI Complaint Against UMass-Amherst
ADL and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law submitted a formal complaint against the University of Massachusetts Amherst with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) alleging that the university has failed to address the severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish and Israeli students.
Ohio State Fails to Address Antisemitic Incidents
On April 9, 2024, StandWithUs, ADL and the Louis D. Brandeis Center filed a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) against Ohio State University, alleging that the university has failed to address the severe discrimination and harassment of Jewish and Israeli students following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.
Antisemitic Bullying in Berkeley K-12 Schools
On, February 28, 2024, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and ADL filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) for failing to take action to end nonstop bullying and harassment of Jewish students by peers and teachers since Oct. 7.
Antisemitic Content Taught in Santa Ana Public Schools
On September 11, 2023, ADL announced, as part of a coalition, the filing of a lawsuit to stop antisemitic content from being taught in Santa Ana Public Schools.
Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL)
In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack and the surge of antisemitism especially on U.S. college campuses, ADL announced, with partner Jewish organizations, the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) a free legal protection helpline for students who have experienced antisemitism.
University NCO Improperly Censored Student Journalists
ADL secured a victory for Jewish student journalists at Princeton University.
Online Hate and Harassment
Litigation pushing to enhance tech policy and secure safe spaces online.
Antisemitic Swatting Incidents Targeting Synagogues
As individuals and organizations attempt to use doxxing and swatting techniques to intimidate and threaten Jews and other groups and individuals, ADL will pursue civil remedies to right these egregious wrongs, and put a stop to this horrific and dangerous trend.
Amicus Brief Database
Amicus curiae briefs, meaning "friend of the court," are powerful tools in combating antisemitism, hate, discrimination and bigotry. ADL actively files or joins amicus briefs to support cases involving religious freedom, immigrant and refugee rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity, and other civil rights issues.