WASHINGTON — Following a surge of antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses, the Department of Education has launched investigations into five universities. These investigations come in the wake of deadly attacks in Israel by the terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited a chain of anti-Israel protests across various academic institutions.
Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, are under scrutiny amid reports of severe antisemitic harassment. These investigations have been prompted by concerns that previous administration’s resolution agreements were insufficient in addressing the reported antisemitism effectively.
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, criticized the prior responses as inadequate. “Too many universities have tolerated widespread antisemitic harassment, which has stifled Jewish life and religious expression on campuses,” said Trainor. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students across the nation and holding educational institutions accountable.
This initiative is part of a broader enforcement strategy under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has signaled a stern stance on addressing antisemitism in educational settings. Only days before the announcement of the investigations, reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering stringent measures against anti-Jewish protesters on campuses, including potential action regarding their visas.
The universities named have responded to the impending federal investigations with assurances of cooperation. Northwestern University outlined its dedication to maintaining a community where free expression flourishes but does not shield harmful behaviors. Jon Yates, the university’s vice president of global marketing and communications, stated, “While we uphold free expression and academic freedom, we have made clear that they do not justify actions that compromise the safety of others.”
Similarly, Portland State University reassured its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment, noting the serious attention it pays to combating hate and bias within its community.
The University of Minnesota also confirmed its intention to cooperate fully with the federal probe. “We are confident in our proactive measures to address hate and bias,” a university spokesperson remarked.
Further demonstrating the government’s focus on this issue, additional scrutiny has been applied to Columbia University, which recently received substantial funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through National Institutes of Health grants. The Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and the Workforce have inquired about the university’s efforts in creating a secure environment for all members.
As these investigations unfold, they underscore a pivotal moment in addressing campus climates and the broader societal implications of hate-based activities in academic settings. The outcomes of these investigations could lead to significant changes in how universities handle freedom of expression and the balance of keeping campus communities safe from harassment.