Allegations of Discrimination
A Muslim law student at UC Berkeley intends to file a discrimination complaint against the university following a contentious incident at the home of the law school’s dean. The student, Malak Afaneh, accused a law professor of physically assaulting her during a protest at a dinner event hosted by Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and his wife, law professor Catherine Fisk.
Tense Dinner Event
The incident occurred during the first of three dinners organized by Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Fisk at their Oakland home. The gatherings were meant to celebrate the final weeks of law school for graduating students. Afaneh, adorned in a red hijab and a keffiyeh, addressed her classmates with a traditional Muslim greeting as part of her protest.
Viral Video Footage
Video footage of the encounter went viral, capturing the heated exchange between Afaneh and the dean’s wife. As Afaneh attempted to speak into a microphone, she was confronted by Professor Fisk, who forcefully intervened, demanding Afaneh to leave the premises.
Accusations and Response
Afaneh alleges that she was physically assaulted simply for expressing her views as a Muslim woman. Following the incident, she and several other students exited the gathering. Afaneh’s group, Law Students for Justice in Palestine, accused the dean of aligning with Zionist causes and suppressing pro-Palestinian activism.
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Calls for Accountability
In response to the altercation, Afaneh’s group demanded the resignation of Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Fisk, along with divestment from arms manufacturers and the establishment of a Palestine Studies program. However, UC Berkeley has expressed support for the dean, emphasizing the importance of respecting private spaces for free speech.
