George Washington University is accused of breaching civil rights law regarding antisemitism.

DOJ Targets George Washington University Over Anti-Semitic Incident

On Tuesday, the Trump administration criticized George Washington University for being “intentionally indifferent” regarding what they see as a “hostile educational environment” for Jewish students, as well as Americans and Israelis associated with the institution.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its findings following an investigation into allegations of anti-Semitic discrimination and harassment aimed at Jewish and Israeli students. The university was found to have violated federal civil rights laws.

Hermeet Dillon, the Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, emphasized that “All students should have equal educational opportunities without fear of harassment or abuse.” She added that universities promoting such discrimination would be held accountable under the law.

In her correspondence with George Washington University President Ellen Glanberg, Dillon criticized the university’s response to the complaints and misconduct that occurred on campus, calling it “desily indifferent.” She mentioned the need for “immediate repair” as the DOJ seeks enforcement action.

Context of the Criticism

The Justice Department, which provides federal funding to the university, offered an opportunity for a “voluntary resolution agreement.” The aim is to ensure immediate improvements to address these issues and to implement reforms to prevent future incidents of discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

Unlike other institutions like Harvard and Columbia that faced backlash from the Trump administration over anti-Israel protests after attacks by Hamas in October 2023, George Washington University is a private entity. However, its location in Washington, D.C. subjects it to federal scrutiny and political influences.

Recent DOJ reports noted an uptick in violent incidents in the capital immediately following President Trump’s announcement of a federal takeover of the D.C. police station. In the context of a civil rights investigation, Dillon asserted that students and faculty were faced with “an objectively aggressive, harsh, widespread hostile educational environment.” She described the anti-Semitic actions directed at Jewish individuals on campus as shocking and found them clearly immoral and illegal.

During recent finals and graduation ceremonies in April and May of 2024, university community members reported engaging in “anti-Semitic and destructive protests,” including the establishment of a protest area in the university’s yard.

The DOJ found that the university received “more than eight complaints” during a period when protests allegedly discriminated against Jewish and Israeli students. Parents and alumni also voiced concerns over safety as protests escalated, and the DOJ documented anti-Semitic acts occurring on campus.

Dillon pointed out that the goal of the demonstrators was to intimidate and deny Jewish and Israeli students access to a safe educational environment. This, she noted, constitutes a “hostile environment.” Additionally, the investigation revealed numerous accounts of Jewish students facing harassment and threats from protesters.

In her letter, Dillon mentioned one Jewish student who reported being surrounded by an anti-Semitic crowd after leaving a law school event, where he was harassed and threatened to leave the area. Reports indicated that other Jewish students encountered similar treatment when attempting to navigate the campus.

Students recalled being surrounded and attacked verbally by protesters, with police officers present but failing to intervene. Dillon recounted how a Jewish student holding an Israeli flag was targeted and verbally abused by demonstrators, prompting police to advise them to leave the area for their safety.