Jewish students at George Washington University filed a federal lawsuit on June 2, 2025, alleging pervasive antisemitic harassment by faculty and students, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The 180-page complaint cites incidents where the school reportedly allowed an anti‑Israel activist group, MESA (Middle East Studies Association), to operate within the Elliott School of International Affairs, hosting events deemed hostile toward Jewish students and excluding pro‑Israel perspectives.
The lawsuit details specific faculty involvement in rhetoric supportive of Hamas or antisemitic viewpoints. Examples include an associate professor who helped found SJP at GWU and defended Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, as well as a psychology professor accused of claiming “It’s not your fault you were born in Israel” to an Israeli student. Students reported being blocked from campus spaces, confronted with antisemitic chants like “Globalize the Intifada,” property vandalism, and minimal disciplinary action from the university.
The complaint also alleges double standards: GWU reportedly acted swiftly against incidents targeting other minorities—such as punishing discrimination in Black communities—but responded weakly to antisemitic acts. It accused the university of misleading Congress about its enforcement record and breaching contracts with Jewish and Israeli students. The plaintiffs seek damages and court orders compelling GWU to ensure a non‑hostile learning environment.
GWU responded by condemning antisemitism and defending its response efforts, stating they take such concerns “extremely seriously” and calling the suit’s allegations misrepresentative of the university’s actions. The case reflects heightened federal pressure on universities to address antisemitism, especially in the wake of the October 7 attacks and scrutiny under Title VI and broader civil‑rights legislation.
