Harvard, Yale Among Schools Threatened With Funding Cuts in Antisemitism Probe

Washington, D.C. — In a move that has sent shockwaves through academia, the Trump administration announced on Monday that 60 universities, including Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale, are under investigation for alleged antisemitic harassment. The Department of Education warned these schools of potential federal funding cuts if they fail to meet their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

The announcement follows last week’s decision to revoke $400 million in federal grants from Columbia University.

The administration accused Columbia of failing to protect Jewish students amid campus protests over Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict. These protests, which escalated last year, have been labeled by the administration as fostering “anti-Semitic and anti-American” sentiments.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemned universities for allowing what she described as “relentless antisemitic eruptions” that have disrupted campus life. President Trump echoed these sentiments, praising recent arrests of pro-Palestinian activists and warning that more actions would follow. He emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward “illegal protests” and alleged “pro-terrorist activities” on campuses.

Many protestors include Jewish students advocating for Palestinian rights.

Critics argue that the administration’s approach undermines free speech and diversity initiatives. Some faculty members at targeted universities claim the accusations are politically motivated and exaggerate the scale of antisemitism on campuses. They also point out that many protestors include Jewish students advocating for Palestinian rights.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to combat antisemitism in higher education. However, detractors accuse the government of using these measures as a pretext to weaken civil rights protections and suppress dissent. As investigations unfold, universities face a precarious balancing act: addressing concerns about antisemitism while safeguarding free expression.

Trump Puts 60 Universities Under Microscope Over ‘Antisemitism’ (March 10, 2025)

#TrumpAdministration #Antisemitism #HigherEducation
#FreeSpeech #CampusProtests

Tags: Columbia University, Harvard University, Yale University, Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Title VI Civil Rights Act