The U.S. Department of Justice has accused George Washington University (GWU) of violating federal civil rights law by “acting deliberately indifferent” to reports of antisemitism on campus, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and higher education institutions.
In a letter sent Tuesday, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty at GWU experienced a “hostile environment” that was “offensive, severe and pervasive.” The investigation cited incidents during spring 2024 pro-Palestinian protests, including the establishment of an encampment, where Jewish students reported harassment and intimidation.
“The antisemitic, hate-based misconduct by GWU students directed at Jewish GWU students, faculty, and employees was, in a word, shocking,” wrote Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the division. “The behavior was demonstrably abhorrent, immoral, and, most importantly, illegal.”
The DOJ has offered GWU the option of a “voluntary resolution agreement” but warned it will “proceed with enforcement” if no settlement is reached. The action mirrors recent federal scrutiny of UCLA, which in July was accused of failing to address harassment against Jewish and Israeli students and later notified it would lose federal research funding.
GWU spokesperson Shannon McClendon rejected the characterization, stating the university is reviewing the DOJ’s findings. “GW condemns antisemitism, which has absolutely no place on our campuses or in a civil and humane society,” McClendon said. “Our actions clearly demonstrate our commitment to addressing antisemitic actions and promoting an inclusive campus environment by upholding a safe, respectful, and accountable environment.”
The DOJ letter detailed multiple incidents in which Jewish students displaying Israeli flags were confronted by protesters, some of whom blocked movement or shouted expletives. In several cases, university officials or campus police told the Jewish students to leave the area, saying their presence was antagonizing the crowd or could jeopardize their safety.
Protests like those at GWU erupted nationwide after Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
The DOJ’s moves against GWU and other universities come amid broader Trump administration crackdowns on pro-Palestinian student activism, raising concerns over free speech and academic independence. The Stanford Daily recently filed suit against the administration, alleging federal immigration laws are being used to silence pro-Palestinian voices through threats of deportation and visa revocation.
