The Department of Education under President Donald Trump sent formal letters to 60 universities on Monday, warning them that they are under federal investigation for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act due to antisemitic incidents on campus.
The schools receiving notice include some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, and Arizona State. The move follows growing concerns about the treatment of Jewish students in the wake of increased tensions related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Education Secretary Speaks Out
Newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a strong statement condemning the rising antisemitism on college campuses.
"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. University leaders must do better," McMahon said.
She further emphasized that federal funding for colleges and universities comes with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with civil rights protections.
"U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege and is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws."
Federal Funding at Risk
The announcement comes shortly after the Trump administration’s antisemitism task force stripped Columbia University of $400 million in federal grants and contracts, citing its failure to take action against antisemitic incidents on campus.
Columbia, which holds over $5 billion in federal grants, is one of the universities under scrutiny. Officials suggest that additional funding cuts to other universities may follow.
Other institutions receiving notices from the Office for Civil Rights include George Mason University, Ohio State University, Rutgers University, and multiple University of California campuses.
Executive Order and Task Force Action
Since returning to office, President Trump has taken aggressive steps to combat antisemitism in higher education. Shortly after being sworn in, he signed an executive order strengthening federal enforcement of civil rights laws related to antisemitism.
A multi-agency antisemitism task force—including representatives from the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Education, and the General Services Administration—has been leading the administration’s efforts.
Last month, the Education Department opened investigations into alleged antisemitic discrimination at Columbia, Northwestern, Portland State, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. With this latest announcement, an additional 55 universities have now been placed under review.
Arrests and Deportations of Protesters
Beyond civil rights enforcement, the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance against foreign students and activists involved in anti-Israel protests.
Over the weekend, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, at his university-owned apartment. Khalil, who claims Palestinian heritage, was allegedly involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Officials stated that he faces deportation, with reports indicating that his legal permanent residency status may be revoked.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to root out what the administration calls “terrorist sympathizers” on college campuses. The State Department recently revoked the first student visa linked to anti-Israel demonstrations after Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed “zero tolerance” for individuals supporting terror groups.
Trump Defends Actions
President Trump took to Truth Social to defend the arrests and investigations, promising that Khalil’s detainment is just the beginning.
"We know there are more students at Columbia and other universities across the country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it. Many are not students; they are paid agitators. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country—never to return again," Trump wrote.
He also issued a stern warning to universities:
"If you support terrorism, including the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children, your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here. We expect every one of America’s colleges and universities to comply."
What Comes Next?
The Education Department has not set a timeline for when it expects responses from the universities under investigation. However, institutions that fail to demonstrate compliance with federal civil rights laws could face additional funding losses and legal consequences.
As the investigations unfold, colleges and universities may be forced to reassess their policies on campus protests, free speech, and student safety—especially regarding Jewish students.
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