Drexel University has agreed to reassess discrimination complaints related to “shared ancestry” and improve its handling procedures under a new agreement with the U.S. Department of Education revealed on Friday. The federal investigation initially stemmed from a complaint regarding a dormitory fire incident involving a Jewish student’s door. Despite no conclusive evidence of antisemitic motivation, the inquiry uncovered deficiencies in Drexel’s response to 35 other reported cases of harassment based on Jewish ancestry over a 16-month period until January. Federal officials determined that a hostile environment existed at Drexel for about 18 months, including instances of anti-Jewish graffiti, social media threats, and vandalism at the Center for Jewish Life on campus in April.
According to a statement from the Education Department released on Friday, the university had been handling individual incidents without considering the need for broader actions. Consequently, Drexel has committed to reviewing complaints and incidents from the past two academic years, sharing the information with the federal agency, and taking necessary steps. The institution will also conduct training sessions and update policies governing the investigation and resolution of discrimination reports. Assessments in the future will now include off-campus and social media behaviors in determining whether instances of shared ancestry discrimination and harassment have created a hostile environment within programs and activities.
In response to the resolution, Drexel University emphasized its dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment where all members feel safe, respected, and supported. The university aims to enhance its efforts to prevent and address antisemitism and any behavior that undermines its commitment to inclusivity.
Following the attacks in Israel in October, Drexel initiated workshops and training sessions, including meetings in residence halls to educate students on maintaining a respectful environment, informing them about available resources, and how to report concerns. University President John Anderson Fry, in a public message in December, expressed the institution’s dedication to maintaining a secure and inclusive campus environment amidst the community’s distress caused by the events in Israel.
