The Trump administration is intensifying its crackdown on alleged antisemitism in higher education, with plans to take legal action against the University of California (UC) system. Leo Terrell, a senior counsel at the Justice Department, announced that a multiagency task force is preparing to file "massive lawsuits" against the UC system and several other universities across the country. This comes in the wake of ongoing investigations into antisemitic incidents at various campuses.
Terrell, who leads the task force, emphasized that the federal government is ready to pursue hate crime charges and civil rights lawsuits under Title VII, which protects against discrimination based on race, religion, and other factors. The task force has already identified prominent universities, including UCLA, USC, and UC Berkeley, as part of its investigations.
In an interview, Terrell mentioned that many of the targeted campuses have been resistant to the task force’s inquiries, which has hindered their investigations. He did not provide specific details about this resistance. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UC system stated that the university is committed to combating antisemitism and is actively working to address the issue.
The Justice Department’s actions follow a broader trend of federal scrutiny over antisemitism in education. Earlier this year, the Education Department warned 60 colleges, including several UC campuses, to protect Jewish students or face potential enforcement actions. The department’s investigations are based on allegations that there may be a pattern of discrimination against Jewish employees within the UC system.
The administration’s focus on these issues has been fueled by rising tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests, particularly in connection with the conflict in Gaza that erupted in October 2023. Harvard University, which has faced significant federal scrutiny, has already filed lawsuits against the Trump administration after losing access to billions in federal funding and facing restrictions on enrolling international students.
As the Justice Department prepares to take action, both UC and USC have expressed their commitment to eradicating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and rights of all students. The situation is evolving, and many are watching closely to see how these legal battles unfold and what impact they may have on academic freedom and student rights across the nation.