Holy Shift: Yeshiva OKs LGBTQ Club

After a lengthy legal tug-of-war that made it all the way to the Supreme Court, Yeshiva University has finally agreed to recognize its LGBTQ student group — now rebranded as “Hareni.” The decision marks a turning point in the relationship between queer students and the Modern Orthodox institution that had long resisted any official acknowledgment of their existence. The university announced the move Thursday, stating that the agreement resolves all ongoing litigation and that Hareni “will operate in accordance with the approved guidelines of Yeshiva University’s senior rabbis.”

The decision comes after years of public and legal pressure, which began when the former YU Pride Alliance demanded equal treatment. The university initially argued that recognizing the club would compromise its religious beliefs. That didn’t stop the students, who took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022. The court essentially punted the issue back to the lower courts but left the door open for recognition — a door the university has now finally walked through.

Hareni, which means “behold me” in Hebrew, is set to function like any other student club, with full access to campus facilities and the right to promote events using “LGBTQ+” openly on flyers. According to the students, the club will organize everything from movie nights and networking events to panel discussions and charity work.

“This agreement affirms that LGBTQ+ students at Yeshiva University are valued members of the community,” said Schneur Friedman, one of the group’s presidents. Co-president Hayley Goldberg added, “This victory is not just for our club — it’s for every student who deserves a safe space to be themselves.”

For queer Jewish students, especially those navigating the complexities of religious identity and sexuality, the move is more than just a win — it’s validation. While the university maintains its religious framing, Hareni’s recognition provides something previously denied: visibility, inclusion, and the opportunity for students to build community without hiding in the shadows.

A Long-Awaited Step Forward

It’s hard to overstate how significant this development is for LGBTQ people within the Orthodox Jewish world. For years, students had to fight simply to be acknowledged. Now, Hareni stands as a testament to persistence and queer resilience — even in spaces where acceptance has historically been scarce.

The LGBTQ community at large should be watching closely. While Yeshiva’s statement emphasized religious boundaries, the recognition of Hareni sends a strong message: faith-based institutions can and must find ways to include queer voices without erasing their traditions.

Let’s be real — no queer student should have to take their school to court just to have a movie night. But now that they’ve won, it’s time to celebrate, show up, and make that safe space sparkle.