The Trump administration warned dozens of colleges they could lose federal funds if they fail to make campuses safe for Jewish students.
An Education Department letter sent to 60 schools on Monday threatens to take enforcement action if colleges fail to uphold civil rights laws against antisemitism.
Four schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are on the list: American University; George Mason University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia.
“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,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement. “U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.”
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“Since Oct. 7, American University's campus has been extremely hostile for Jewish and Israeli students,” senior Lauren Cayle said
She and several of her Jewish classmates filed a civil rights complaint against AU last year accusing the school of “ignoring discrimination and harassment.”
Piano major Tomer Ben-Ezer, who joined the complaint, said people on campus have harassed and spit on him because he’s from Israel. When he played a piano recital, someone defaced one of his posters with the words “death to the Zionists, Hitler was right.” Two FBI agents went to the recital to ensure Ben-Ezer’s safety.
“What I've went through during that time is something I won't wish on my worst enemy,” he said.
“Because of this, I feel so inspired to go prevent this from happening again,” Ben-Ezer said.
American University sent News4 a statement saying it’s committed to supporting its Jewish community through actions like updated policies; enforcing discipline for conduct violations; addressing antisemitism in a required first-year course; opposing boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel; and offering training for university leaders.
“I'm very grateful that the Trump administration is finally holding universities accountable for allowing antisemitism to thrive,” Cayle said.
George Mason University told News4 the school “does not discriminate against anyone and goes to extensive lengths to ensure all students can study, work, and live in a safe and welcoming academic environment.”
News4 reached out to the University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins University but has not heard back.
The list of 60 universities includes Harvard, Columbia, Cornell and many others where pro-Palestinian protests led to accusations of anti-Jewish bias. The administration already is pulling $400 million from Columbia and has threatened to cut billions more.
The warning comes as President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order aimed at eliminating the entire Department of Education.
The Trump administration is cracking down on campus demonstrations against Israel and the war in Gaza. Trump warning on Monday that the arrest and possible deportation of a Palestinian activist who helped lead protests at Columbia University will be the first “of many to come.”
Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful U.S. resident who was a graduate student at Columbia until December, was detained Saturday by federal immigration agents in New York and flown to an immigration jail in Louisiana. But a federal judge in New York City ordered Monday that Khalil not be deported while the court considered a legal challenge brought by his lawyers. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
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