The Trump administration reportedly launched a sweeping federal investigation into alleged antisemitism across all 22 campuses of the California State University (CSU) system. The probe is being carried out via the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and may involve coordination with the Department of Justice.
In a statement sent to CBS 8, CSU said it “confirms that a systemwide antisemitism complaint has been filed against the CSU by the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The CSU will fully cooperate with the EEOC during its investigative review. The CSU unequivocally condemns antisemitism and continues to comply with longstanding federal and state anti-discrimination laws as well as CSU policies. The CSU is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning and working environment for all members of our community.”
Faculty groups have expressed alarm over due process and privacy concerns. The California Faculty Association (CFA) urged members to consult legal counsel before engaging with investigators.
The administration’s move is in line with broader federal scrutiny of antisemitism in higher education. Earlier in 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent letters to 60 universities warning of potential enforcement actions under Title VI for failing to curb antisemitic harassment. Additionally, the DOJ in March opened a pattern-or-practice investigation into the University of California system under Title VII.
Critics argue the probe could chill free speech, especially around Palestine–Israel debates. Some warn of potential overreach, likening forced disclosure of private data to McCarthy-era tactics. Supporters contend the federal response is necessary to protect Jewish students and faculty from a hostile campus environment.
Update September 30:
California State University released the following statement on the matter:
“The California State University system has not received a records subpoena from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as has been falsely reported by some media outlets.
“One of our 22 campuses, Cal State LA received a discrimination complaint (antisemitism) in 2024 and is working with the EEOC to resolve that matter. As part of that campus-specific process, Cal State LA received a subpoena from the EEOC for contact information for its employees. This review is still ongoing. This is the only subpoena that the CSU has received.
“The CSU system received a new discrimination complaint (antisemitism) that is different from the Cal State LA inquiry. No subpoena has been issued in that matter.”
