The Trump Justice Department has delivered a crushing blow to George Washington University, finding the institution “deliberately indifferent” to antisemitic harassment and threatening federal enforcement action that could strip away millions in taxpayer funding.
Story Highlights
- DOJ finds GWU violated Title VI civil rights law by failing to protect Jewish students from harassment
- University has until August 22, 2025 to accept voluntary resolution or face federal enforcement action
- Incidents occurred during pro-Palestinian encampment that targeted Jewish and Israeli students
- Trump administration signals nationwide crackdown on campus antisemitism with UCLA also under investigation
Trump DOJ Takes Decisive Action Against Campus Antisemitism
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division issued a scathing determination against George Washington University, concluding the institution systematically failed Jewish students during spring 2024 pro-Palestinian protests. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon’s findings letter detailed how university administrators allowed a hostile environment to flourish, describing the harassment as “shocking,” “abhorrent,” and “illegal.” This represents the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing federal civil rights law where the previous administration turned a blind eye.
Campus Chaos Denied Jewish Students Educational Access
During April and May 2024, pro-Palestinian encampments at GWU’s University Yard created what DOJ characterized as a systematically hostile environment for Jewish students. Federal investigators documented incidents where protesters surrounded and restricted movement of a Jewish student displaying an Israeli flag, along with widespread intimidation tactics. The harassment became so severe that Jewish students avoided classes and campus spaces entirely, effectively denying them access to the educational environment their tuition dollars should guarantee.
University’s Weak Response Triggers Federal Intervention
Despite GWU’s claims that it took “appropriate actions” and condemned antisemitism, the DOJ found these measures woefully inadequate. The university’s failure to promptly and effectively address the hostile environment constituted deliberate indifference under Title VI standards. Federal law requires institutions receiving taxpayer funding to protect students from harassment based on national origin, which includes antisemitic targeting of Jewish students. GWU’s negligent response violated this fundamental obligation to maintain a safe learning environment.
Enforcement Deadline Sets Stage for Accountability
The DOJ has given GWU until August 22, 2025, to indicate interest in a voluntary resolution agreement that would mandate immediate remediation measures. This mirrors the Trump administration’s approach with UCLA, which received similar Title VI violation findings in July 2025. If GWU fails to engage by the deadline, the Justice Department warned of enforcement measures that could include federal funding cuts and court action. This aggressive timeline demonstrates the administration’s determination to end the permissive attitude toward campus antisemitism that flourished under previous leadership.
Trump admin rips George Washington University in DC as 'deliberately indifferent' to antisemitism https://t.co/VZIWou90wZ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 12, 2025
Precedent Signals Broader Campus Cleanup
The GWU case represents part of a coordinated federal enforcement strategy targeting universities that allowed antisemitic harassment during 2024 campus protests. This action sends a clear message to higher education institutions nationwide that federal civil rights law will be vigorously enforced. Universities can expect heightened scrutiny of their policies governing protests, incident response protocols, and measures to protect Jewish students from discriminatory harassment. The Trump administration’s approach prioritizes actual student safety over politically correct accommodation of disruptive protest activities.
Sources:
Higher Ed Dive – DOJ finds Title VI violations at George Washington University
The GW Hatchet – DOJ finds GW acted deliberately indifferent to campus antisemitism
DOJ Civil Rights Division Letter to GWU President
Justice Department Press Release – GWU Deliberately Indifferent to Antisemitic Harassment
