Trump Antisemitism Investigations at Five Universities

President Donald Trump’s administration launched investigations into antisemitism at five universities on Tuesday, fulfilling commitments made during his campaign to address the rise of anti-Jewish hatred on campuses. The Department of Education will handle the investigations.

The Washington Times reported that the universities under investigation are Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

“Too many universities have tolerated widespread antisemitic harassment and the illegal encampments that paralyzed campus life last year, driving Jewish life and religious expression underground,” said Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights. The investigation builds on findings from the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which concluded in an October 31 report that university administrators “overwhelmingly failed” to protect Jewish students as pro-Palestinian protests escalated on U.S. campuses. House Republicans pursued the issue aggressively, while Senate Democrats attempted to downplay concerns.

Separately, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Trump has appointed civil rights attorney Leo Terrell to lead a multi-agency investigation into antisemitism across America. Terrell, a former O.J. Simpson supporter and ex-Fox News contributor, will serve as senior counsel in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. In this role, he will oversee task forces that include representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Anti-Semitism in any environment is repugnant to this Nation’s ideals,” said Terrell in a statement announcing his appointment. “The Department takes seriously our responsibility to eradicate this hatred wherever it is found. The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is the first step in giving life to President Trump’s renewed commitment to ending anti-Semitism in our schools.”

Under President Joe Biden, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division remained largely silent on campus antisemitism, drawing criticism for inaction. The Trump administration’s renewed efforts mark a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring Jewish students receive full protections under federal law.

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