California State University, Northridge faces a wrongful termination lawsuit from former employee Sam Lingrosso, who claims he was fired for his efforts to protect Jewish faculty and students amid rising campus antisemitism. The suit alleges retaliation for his advocacy following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Lingrosso seeks damages under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Sam Lingrosso, previously the Director of Academic Employees Relations at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), was terminated in December 2024, according to a complaint filed by the Peter Law Group. The lawsuit contends that his dismissal stemmed from his political views opposing antisemitism and his support for Jewish students and faculty, particularly in the aftermath of Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, as the one-year anniversary approached.
The complaint details Lingrosso's actions to address safety concerns raised by Jewish faculty. He requested campus police to develop a safety plan for a professor who reported unsettling remarks on posters outside his office showing American hostages in Israel. The professor also expressed worries about potential harassment or violence against Jewish students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus.
Attorneys allege that Interim Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs Christina L. Von Mayrhauser responded with 'unwarranted criticism' and undermined Lingrosso's initiatives. A key incident involved an email from Professor Katz to 'Jewish faculty and allies,' thanking Lingrosso for focusing on 'DOING things rather than talking about them.' The complaint states: 'The contrast between Plaintiff’s decisive actions and others’ inaction — particularly in Professor Katz’s statement that Plaintiff “has been focused on DOING things rather than talking about them” — was interpreted by Von Mayrhauser as a direct affront to her leadership. Her reaction was marked by visible displeasure and indignation, as she viewed the email as an attack on her authority and an attempt to undermine her credibility within the institution.'
Eyal Farahan, an attorney with the firm, stated: “CSUN had a duty to protect their Jewish faculty members and ensure a safe learning environment, free of threats and harassment. Sam’s work should have been celebrated but, instead, he was unlawfully terminated in violation of multiple California statutes that protect employees from harassment.” Farahan further criticized campus leadership for failing 'to take meaningful action to confront hate and ultimately fostered a climate of indifference and fear' amid nationwide university antisemitism issues following the 2023 attacks, which spurred anti-Israel activism and incidents on campuses.
CSUN disputed the allegations in a statement: “California State University, Northridge is aware of a legal complaint filed by a former at-will employee. These spurious allegations are completely unfounded and the University will vigorously defend against them. The University remains committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment for our entire campus community.”