Breaking: Trump admin cracks down on 60 universities, funding at risk over antisemitism claims

The U.S. Department of Education has notified 60 colleges and universities that they are under review for potential violations of federal anti-discrimination laws related to antisemitism on campus. The institutions, which include six Ivy League schools, several state universities, and private colleges, have been advised that failure to address reported concerns could lead to the loss of federal funding.

In a statement Monday, Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the department’s commitment to enforcing federal civil rights protections.

“The Department is concerned that Jewish students at many U.S. campuses continue to report feeling unsafe due to antisemitic incidents,” McMahon said. “University leaders have a responsibility to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students.”

The announcement follows recent federal actions, including a decision to revoke $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University amid ongoing concerns about campus demonstrations and reports of harassment. The review is being conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits federally funded institutions from engaging in or allowing discrimination based on race, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

In addition to financial measures, the State Department is reportedly evaluating visa status changes for international students who have been accused of violating laws or engaging in activities deemed supportive of designated terrorist organizations. Over the weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and activist, with the intent to review his immigration status.

Meanwhile, institutions under review have begun responding to the increased federal scrutiny. Harvard University announced a temporary hiring freeze, citing concerns over potential impacts on federal research funding. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) disclosed a decision to reduce grant funding for Columbia University, attributing the move to concerns about the university’s handling of reported campus incidents.

The full list of institutions under review includes American University, Arizona State, Boston University, Brown, California State University-Sacramento, Chapman University, Columbia, Cornell, Drexel, Emerson College, George Mason, Harvard, Indiana University, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Princeton, Rutgers, Stanford, SUNY Binghamton, Tufts, Tulane, University of California-Berkeley, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin, Wellesley, Yale, and others.

Federal officials have stated that investigations will continue and that universities are expected to take corrective actions where necessary to remain eligible for federal support.