University of Tennessee Faces Investigation Over Allegations of Antisemitic Discrimination and Harassment

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee is facing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. They are working to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campus.

Recently, the Office for Civil Rights sent letters to 60 universities, highlighting their responsibility to protect Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. If these schools fail to meet these obligations, they may face enforcement actions.

The University of Tennessee provided some insight into their situation. Kerry Gardner, the university’s Director of Media and Internal Relations, stated that a student filed a Title VI complaint in 2023 based on events they observed. The university engaged with the student and communicated with various offices to offer support. In 2024, the Office for Civil Rights requested more information about the student’s concerns, and UT has been cooperating fully.

UT takes the issue of discrimination seriously. Gardner noted, “Whenever we are aware of any issue, we provide resources and support to affected students, and we inform them about their right to file a complaint.”

Other universities, including Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, also received letters from the Office for Civil Rights regarding similar issues. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed concern, stating, “It is disappointing that Jewish students on elite campuses continue to feel unsafe due to ongoing antisemitism.”

In an effort to combat antisemitism, measures have been implemented at the federal level. In January, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, calling for strict action against harassment and violence. Furthermore, the U.S. Justice Department announced the creation of a multi-agency Task Force in February, designed to tackle antisemitic harassment in educational settings.

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