“Trump Administration Alleges Columbia University Fails to Safeguard Jewish Students Under Federal Civil Rights Law” | CNN

The Trump administration recently accused Columbia University of ignoring harassment against Jewish students, claiming it violated federal civil rights law. This allegation came as the school faced claims over its handling of antisemitism since October 2023.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that Columbia may have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prevents discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal funding. The announcement is part of the government’s efforts to combat antisemitism, an initiative sparked by a February executive order from President Trump.

Columbia’s representatives responded by emphasizing their commitment to addressing antisemitism on campus. They stated, “We take these issues seriously and will work with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education to address them.”

However, the administration alleges that Columbia “continually failed to protect Jewish students.” This claim arose amid heightened tensions following Hamas’s attack on Israel and ongoing conflict in Gaza. The HHS’s acting director, Anthony Archeval, highlighted the hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia, which has disrupted their education and overall well-being.

The HHS also noted that Columbia didn’t put effective measures in place to fight antisemitism until last summer. Accusations extend to instances where the university allegedly failed to investigate classroom vandalism and enforce its own policies regarding protests and complaints from Jewish students.

This situation is not unique to Columbia; elite universities across the U.S. are under significant pressure to comply with government demands regarding policies on antisemitism or risk losing federal funding. A recent poll found that 79% of Americans believe universities should take stronger actions against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.

In March, the Trump administration went a step further by canceling $400 million in grants to Columbia, due to what it viewed as the school’s failure to adequately address antisemitism. The administration’s demands also included tighter rules for protests, accountability measures for student groups, and a review of the university’s Middle Eastern studies programs.

Columbia’s challenges reflect a larger trend in U.S. colleges, where protests and demonstrations related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have significantly increased, prompting discussions about free speech and the responsibilities of academic institutions.

As Columbia navigates this complex situation, it’s clear that the dialogue around discrimination, free speech, and institutional responsibility will continue to evolve, making headlines and stirring public opinion across social media platforms.



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