The Education Department has issued warnings to 60 colleges nationwide, including Sacramento State University and UC Davis, over concerns for the safety of Jewish students on their campuses. This action follows reports of pro-Palestinian protests that have led to allegations of anti-Jewish bias at these institutions.
On Monday, the Department sent letters to the universities indicating they could risk losing federal funding if they do not take appropriate measures to ensure Jewish students feel safe. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed her disappointment in a statement saying, "The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year," according to ABC10. The colleges have been reminded of their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, the latter being understood to include Jewish ancestry.
This move comes on the heels of a Justice Department announcement earlier that a civil rights investigation into the University of California system was being opened to determine if there was a "pattern of discrimination" against Jewish Americans amidst these protests, as per ABC10. Both Sacramento State and UC Davis have experienced campus encampments related to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with tensions leading to instances of harassment that have caught the attention of officials.
In response to the Education Department's letter, the UC Office of the President and Sacramento State both stressed their commitment to combating antisemitism and maintaining an inclusive and safe environment for all students. "We continue to take specific steps to foster an environment free of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination and harassment for everyone in the university community," officials for UC Davis said, as KCRA reported. Sacramento State offered a similar stance, "Our university takes its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 very seriously and, consistent with these obligations, is committed to serving students of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry) and to providing an environment where students can learn, live and succeed free from race, color, or national origin discrimination or harassment."
The developments follow the Department of Education's recent decision to cancel $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the institution’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination. As the investigation continues, these educational institutions are under considerable scrutiny to ensure compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws and secure the safety and civil rights of their Jewish student populations.
