The Legal Construction of Jewish Identity: Race, Religion, and Civil Rights

Are Jews a race, a religion, an ethnicity, or a nationality? It’s a question that has echoed for centuries, but rarely do we ask it through the lens of American law—where the answer has significant implications for civil rights protections. This talk examines how American courts have grappled with defining Jewish identity: sometimes treating Jews as a racial group in order to extend civil rights protections, while at the same time pushing back against labeling Jews as non-white. To add to the complexity, Jews may claim legal protection as both a religious group and a racial one. What emerges is a fascinating story of how the law tries—and often fails—to capture the lived realities of Jewish identity. Open to all, this session offers eye-opening insights for anyone curious about Jewish identity, race, and the law (with an extra welcome for lawyers in the room).

Robert Katz is a Professor of Law at Indiana University McKinney School of Law and Founder and Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Antisemitism. He is the author of Antisemitism and the Law (Carolina Academic Press 2025), the first casebook of its kind, which explores how legal systems have been used both to codify antisemitism and to counter it.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.