Students protesting on campus, advocating for civil rights.
Washington, D.C., August 21, 2025
The Trump administration’s DOJ has determined that George Washington University violated federal civil rights laws concerning the treatment of Jewish and Israeli students. Findings arose from pro-Palestinian protests which created a hostile educational environment. The DOJ criticized GWU for being ‘deliberately indifferent’ to complaints of antisemitism and is seeking immediate remediation, giving the university until August 22 to respond to the findings.
Washington, D.C. – The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it has determined George Washington University (GWU) violated federal civil rights laws regarding the treatment of Jewish and Israeli students and faculty. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded that GWU acted “deliberately indifferent” to a hostile educational environment provoked by pro-Palestinian protests that took place in April and May 2024.
In a detailed letter addressed to university President Ellen Granberg, the DOJ indicated specific issues arising from the campus protests. The Assistant Attorney General emphasized that members of the GWU community participated in “antisemitic, disruptive protests,” which included the establishment of an encampment at University Yard. These actions, according to the DOJ, were intended to “frighten, intimidate, and deny” Jewish and Israeli individuals access to their educational environment.
Following an evaluation of the incidents reported, the DOJ expressed concern that GWU failed to adequately respond to complaints regarding the ongoing antisemitic behaviors on campus. As a result of these findings, the department is seeking “immediate remediation” from the university and has provided GWU with an opportunity to engage in a voluntary resolution agreement. The university has until August 22 to indicate its interest in pursuing such discussions.
This situation is part of a broader pattern observed under the Trump administration, which has threatened federal funding cuts to various universities in response to pro-Palestinian protests linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During the protests at GWU, some Jewish students reported instances of harassment and intimidation. For example, one Jewish student was reportedly ordered to leave an encampment by protesters who claimed their presence was “antagonizing” to the crowd, while another student was restricted in their movement by protesters holding an Israeli flag.
The DOJ described the incidents of antisemitic behavior directed at Jewish students, faculty, and staff as “shocking” and “illegal.” These claims have sparked considerable concern among community members and stakeholders regarding the impact of protest activities on the campus climate.
GWU has responded through spokesperson Shannon McClendon, who stated that the university does not condone antisemitism and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment. The disturbances reported by students occurred amid a surge of nationwide protests connected to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which intensified following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
The Trump administration previously addressed similar concerns at other institutions, notably targeting the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which faced potential financial penalties. The ongoing discussions surrounding the balance between free speech rights and how to adequately address anti-Semitism in academic settings continue to raise important questions across the country.
The DOJ’s findings regarding GWU highlight the growing scrutiny of university environments amid escalating tensions over geopolitical issues. As the situation develops, the university’s response will be crucial in determining the future of its handling of civil rights and campus safety.
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice concluded that George Washington University violated federal civil rights laws and acted indifferently to a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students.
The conclusion was largely based on pro-Palestinian protests in April and May 2024, where Jewish students reported harassment and intimidation from protesters.
The DOJ is seeking immediate remediation and has provided GWU with an opportunity to engage in a voluntary resolution agreement.
GWU has until August 22 to indicate its interest in working towards a resolution.
This accusation falls in line with a trend where the Trump administration has threatened funding cuts to universities in response to similar civil rights violations linked to pro-Palestinian protests during the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accusation | GWU violated federal civil rights laws regarding antisemitism. |
| Situational Context | Pro-Palestinian protests occurred in April and May 2024. |
| DOJ’s Position | GWU acted “deliberately indifferent” to hostile environments. |
| Student Experiences | Reports of harassment and intimidation of Jewish students. |
| Deadline for Response | August 22 for GWU to respond to DOJ. |
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