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Published on February 04, 2025
Trump's Department of Education Probes Northwestern, Four Other Universities for Alleged Antisemitic Harassment Amid ProtestsSource: Rdsmith4, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Department of Education under the Trump administration has launched investigations into allegations of widespread antisemitic harassment at five universities, including Northwestern University. These inquiries were prompted by pro-Palestinian protests on campuses, which have brought to the fore contentious debates over free speech and the protection of minority students. According to a report by WGN-TV, the investigations will focus on potential violations of Title VI, a section of the Civil Rights Act aimed at preventing discrimination in federally funded programs.

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, significant protests led to the establishment of encampments with students urging their institutions to sever financial ties with Israel. Some of these demonstrations were dispersed by the police, often with the use of force, while Columbia University, Portland State, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, alongside Northwestern, are the principal targets of the current probe. According to a statement obtained by ABC 7 Chicago, on the heels of this charged atmosphere, President Trump implemented an executive order to counter antisemitism, which includes canceling the student visas of, and deporting, international students who participated in the protests.

Northwestern University, which brokered a deal with protestors to maintain peace, is also implementing measures to confront antisemitism. These include updating their Student Code of Conduct, enhancing disciplinary procedures, and boosting resources for public safety. "We continue to work tirelessly to make our university a safe and non-discriminatory educational institution," a university spokesperson stated in a communication with WGN-TV.

The response from the student body at Northwestern to the administration's handling of the situation has been mixed. Some students showed support for the university's stance on free speech, with one sophomore telling ABC 7 Chicago, "I think It's free speech," Rohan, a sophomore, said. "I don't think the university could have done any better." Others called for improved communication throughout the process. Last Tuesday, upon reflection, a junior mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the fate of students involved in the protests, highlighting the tense environment that unfolded during the demonstrations.

As the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights continues its assessment of how these pro-Palestinian protests were managed, Northwestern insists on its adherence to principles of diversity and safety. Northwestern Hillel, supporting Jewish students since 1934, reaffirmed their commitment to a "vibrant, welcoming environment" in the statement shared with WGN-TV.