Donald Trump's DOE investigates 5 universities, including Columbia, over anti-semitism
Biden’s "weak" response slammed as campus hate allegations spark federal probe.


The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal investigation into five universities—including Columbia—over alleged “widespread” antisemitic harassment following a chaotic spring semester marked by surging anti-Israel protests on campuses nationwide.
Under President Trump’s directive, the DOE is scrutinizing Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Columbia, where student encampments first erupted over Israel’s military response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, has become a focal point in the probe. Anti-Israel demonstrations swept campuses from coast to coast—sometimes escalating into violent clashes with pro-Israel counter-protesters.
“Too many universities have tolerated antisemitic harassment and the illegal encampments that paralyzed campus life last year, forcing Jewish students to hide their identities,” said Craig Trainor, Trump’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the DOE. “The Biden Administration’s toothless resolutions failed to hold institutions accountable. That ends today.”
Trainor warned that the new administration “will not tolerate continued institutional indifference to Jewish students’ safety” and vowed that universities failing to combat antisemitism will face consequences.
The investigation falls under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects students from harassment based on national origin and shared ancestry. The probe follows Trump’s executive order last week directing federal agencies to use all legal tools—including potential deportation—to crack down on antisemitism.
Columbia University, in particular, faced national scrutiny after anti-Israel protests erupted in April 2024. The now-suspended Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) led the first of many campus encampments, demanding divestment from Israel and boycotting companies like Starbucks and Pizza Hut.
During the day, students chanted, “NYPD, KKK, IDF, you’re all the same” and called for an “intifada revolution.” At night, tensions escalated as protesters stormed Hamilton Hall, forcing police intervention.
While numerous students and outsiders were arrested, Columbia did not expel a single enrolled student. A dozen suspensions were later reversed.
Following the unrest, Columbia saw a staggering 29% drop in donations—totaling approximately $21.4 million.
The NYPost contributed to this article.