The Trump administration has initiated investigations into antisemitism at five universities, reaffirming commitments made during the president’s campaign to address the increasing incidents of anti-Jewish sentiment on college campuses. The investigations, which will be conducted by the Department of Education, target Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, expressed concern over the environment at these institutions, stating that many universities have allowed antisemitic harassment to proliferate. He highlighted the impact of pro-Palestinian protests that have led to a hostile atmosphere for Jewish students, driving their cultural and religious expressions underground.
The investigations follow a report from the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which concluded that university administrators had largely failed to protect Jewish students during a surge of protests on campuses across the United States. House Republicans have actively pursued the issue of antisemitism in higher education, while Senate Democrats have been accused of downplaying the problem.
In a broader effort to combat antisemitism, President Trump has appointed civil rights attorney Leo Terrell to lead a multi-agency task force. Terrell, who previously supported O.J. Simpson and has worked as a contributor for Fox News, will oversee investigations into antisemitism across the nation. He emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism as a fundamental American value, asserting the Department of Justice’s commitment to eradicating this form of hatred.
This renewed focus on antisemitism comes in stark contrast to the previous administration under President Joe Biden, during which the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division was criticized for its lack of action regarding antisemitism on campuses. The current investigations and task force reflect a significant policy shift and highlight the administration’s intention to confront antisemitism more aggressively.