WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has initiated fresh investigations into allegations of antisemitism at five American universities, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley, as announced by the Education Department on Monday.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to adopt a stricter approach towards campus antisemitism, aiming to impose more severe sanctions than the previous administration led by Joe Biden, which had settled numerous cases with educational institutions towards the end of its tenure. The investigations coincide with the Justice Department’s announcement of a new task force designed to address antisemitism in educational settings.
In an order signed last week, Trump advocated for decisive action against anti-Jewish sentiment on campuses, which includes the potential deportation of international students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Besides Columbia and Berkeley, the inquiry now extends to the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Portland State University. Unlike the majority of the investigations that stem from individual complaints, these cases have been initiated through the department’s ability to conduct its own civil rights evaluations.
The Education Department released a statement condemning colleges for their perceived indifference to antisemitism following the assault on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which triggered a series of pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, it criticized the Biden administration for pursuing what it termed “toothless” resolutions that lacked consequences for the institutions.
“The Department is sending a clear message to universities, colleges, and K-12 schools: this administration will not tolerate the ongoing neglect of Jewish students’ wellbeing on campuses across America,” stated Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights.
Details regarding the investigations and the selection criteria for the targeted schools have not been disclosed. Last year, the presidents of Columbia and Northwestern were called to testify before Congress as Republicans aimed for accountability concerning antisemitism in the context of protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. These intense hearings led to the resignation of several university leaders, including Columbia’s Minouche Shafik.
A report released in October by House Republicans criticized Columbia for not penalizing pro-Palestinian student activists who occupied a university building and described Northwestern’s negotiations with protesting students as a “stunning capitulation.”
In response to the backlash from campus protests, universities have reported implementing various measures to combat antisemitism. At Northwestern, these include revisions to the Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary protocols, as well as bolstering public safety efforts, according to spokesman Jon Yates.
“We value free expression and academic freedom, yet we have made it clear that these principles do not excuse actions that jeopardize the safety of others,” Yates noted in an email.
Columbia has also revised and clarified its disciplinary procedures, as reported by its interim president, Katrina Armstrong. The university has enhanced the Public Safety Office and launched an Office of Institutional Equity to tackle issues of discrimination and harassment. “Columbia firmly disapproves of antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination, firmly establishing that violence or terror has no place within our University,” the statement emphasized.
According to Portland State’s representative Katy Swordfisk, this new investigation is “not, in itself, evidence of any wrongdoing,” as the Education Department initiated it without a complaint from within the university. Portland State intends to fully cooperate with the examination. “The university remains committed to efforts aimed at combating antisemitism and reducing the impact of hate and bias,” Swordfisk said through an email.
House Republicans have expressed their approval of these investigations, with Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, stating his satisfaction that an administration is finally taking actions to protect Jewish students.
Trump’s directive also called for a comprehensive review of antisemitism complaints lodged with the Education Department since October 7, 2023, encompassing both ongoing and resolved cases from the Biden administration. It encourages the Justice Department to enforce civil rights laws vigorously.
However, the order faced criticism from civil rights advocates who argued that it infringes upon First Amendment rights which safeguard political expression.
The task force announced on Monday collaborates with the Justice Department, the Education Department, and Health and Human Services in tackling these issues.
“The Department is committed to eradicating hatred in all its forms wherever it may arise,” commented Leo Terrell, assistant attorney general for civil rights. “The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism represents a pivotal step in fulfilling President Trump’s renewed promise to eliminate antisemitism within our educational institutions.”
