Federal Prosecutions for Antisemitic Rioters

A 1968 law prohibits violence against those partaking of federally financed projects

By Nathan Lewin. He is a Washington lawyer with a Supreme Court and litigation practice. He served as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, 1968-69.

Excerpt:

"Section 245(b)(1)(E) of the U.S. Code, enacted in 1968, defines as a criminal anyone who, “whether or not acting under color of law, by force or threat of force willfully injures, intimidates or interferes with . . . any person because he is or has been . . . participating in or enjoying the benefits of any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Jewish students at Columbia and Brooklyn College were participating and enjoying federally financed educational programs at their institutions. The vandalism at Columbia’s Butler Library was “force” and “threat of force” that injured and intimidated students and university employees. An offender found guilty under this law may be imprisoned for one year, and 10 years if “bodily injury results” or if “a dangerous weapon” is used or threatened."