Breaking: U.S. Department of Education Launches Investigation into Antisemitism at NU

The U.S. Department of Education began investigating five universities today, including Northwestern, following an executive order aimed at fighting antisemitism. This move comes after a significant rise in antisemitic incidents across American campuses.

The Department’s press release highlights that Columbia University, Portland State University, the University of California Berkeley, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and Northwestern all face scrutiny for reported antisemitic activities. This investigation is a response to increased hate that has surged since the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

Investigators are acting under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination and harassment based on national origin. This step follows a December 18 House report that pointed to growing extremism and hate at universities, including Northwestern.

The report criticized University President Michael Schill for allegedly misleading Congress, handling sensitive requests related to staffing, and other notable claims. Such allegations raise serious concerns about how universities are managing campus safety and student wellbeing.

The Department of Education plans to collaborate with the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to tackle these issues of antisemitism. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor emphasized that this administration will not tolerate neglect towards the needs of Jewish students on campuses and will take action against hate and harassment.