New York Jewish Week – The New York County Supreme Court ruled that Yeshiva University (YU) must recognize an active LGBTQ group on campus.
Judge Lynn Kotler ordered the university modern orthodox provide YU Pride Alliance with “the same amenities, benefits, facilities and privileges as other student groups” at the institution.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, ends a dispute that dates back to at least 2020, when seven LGBTQ student activists and their supporters filed a lawsuit with the New York City Human Rights Commission, accusing the university of discrimination. The administrators actually reversed a student government decision to recognize their group.
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In his ruling, Kotler said that YU is licensed as a non-religious organization and therefore subject to New York City human rights law.
In legal documents, Yeshiva University admitted to being governed by its religious principles, although it was licensed as a secular organization.
“The court’s decision violates the religious freedom on which this country was founded,” said a YU spokesperson. the commentatora campus newspaper.
Homosexuality is prohibited by almost all Orthodox interpretations of Jewish law, although the general attitude towards people who identify as queer has become somewhat normalized in modern Orthodox circles in recent years.
The Manhattan-based university plans to appeal the decision.
Jewish Queer Youth (JQY), a nonprofit that represents the interests of gay Orthodox Jews, hailed the decision as “a victory for human dignity, mental health and campus safety,” said Rachael Fried, executive director of JQY. and former YU student, in a statement.