US Education Dept. launches probe into antisemitism, Islamophobia at 7 schools

The Department of Education has opened an investigation into seven schools — six colleges, and one K-12 school district — over alleged incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia that have occurred since the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel and the continued fighting in Gaza.

Hate has no place in our schools, period.

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

In its announcement Thursday, Nov. 16, the Education Department said five of the complaints involved alleged antisemitic harassment and two involved anti-Muslim harassment.

The schools under investigation include the Maize Unified School District in Kansas, Cornell University and Columbia University in New York, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, Wellesley College in Massachusetts, the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Just In: @EDcivilrights releases list of higher education and K-12 institutions under investigation for alleged shared ancestry violations of Title VI. https://t.co/50H0rAJiUf pic.twitter.com/NzgnNnKz2m

— U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) November 17, 2023

The investigations were launched under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which calls for schools to provide students with an environment free from discrimination.

“Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they are — or are perceived to be — Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “These investigations underscore how seriously the Biden-Harris Administration, including the U.S. Department of Education, takes our responsibility to protect students from hatred and discrimination.”

The U.S. Department of Education is doing everything we can to ensure that all students feel safe on campus and can celebrate the beauty of their culture without fear because that is what makes our country great.https://t.co/NJi3XQEZET pic.twitter.com/9AqhaJ8Pm9

— Secretary Miguel Cardona (@SecCardona) November 14, 2023

All schools and colleges must comply with Title VI or risk losing federal funding. Earlier this month, the Education Department sent a letter to schools, reminding them of their legal obligation to address incidents of discrimination on campus.

Straight Arrow News has been reporting on the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia at schools and on college campuses across the country. You can find our continuing coverage here.