Students demonstrating on university campus, highlighting the atmosphere of tension.
Washington, D.C., August 14, 2025
The Justice Department has accused George Washington University of being ‘deliberately indifferent’ to antisemitic behavior on its campus, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty. The accusations follow reported harassment during protests, particularly related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. GWU is criticized for its inaction despite multiple complaints and is given a deadline to address these issues. The situation mirrors similar allegations against the University of California, Los Angeles, reflecting a wider examination of how universities handle campus antisemitism.
Washington, D.C. — The Justice Department (DOJ) has accused George Washington University (GWU) of violating civil rights laws by being “deliberately indifferent” to antisemitic behavior on its campus, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty. The DOJ’s findings, outlined in a letter sent to the university, assert that these individuals have faced severe and pervasive harassment.
The allegations stem from incidents that occurred during last spring’s protests, particularly those related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which were intensified by the violence in Gaza following the attacks on October 7, 2023. The DOJ documented several instances where Jewish students reported feeling threatened, including being surrounded and verbally assaulted during these protests. In particular, one Jewish student was reportedly advised by the university’s assistant dean to leave a protest area to avoid antagonizing the crowd. Additionally, students displaying Israeli flags experienced harassment and were ordered by police to vacate the site for their protection.
Despite receiving multiple complaints regarding these incidents, GWU has been criticized for its inaction. The DOJ noted that the university’s lack of appropriate responses amounted to a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded institutions. The DOJ has provided GWU with a deadline until August 22 to enter into a “voluntary resolution agreement” to address and remedy these issues.
Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the civil rights division, described the antisemitic acts towards Jewish students and faculty as “shocking” and “illegal.” In response to the DOJ’s accusations, GWU spokesperson Shannon McClendon stated that the institution is reviewing the letter and maintains a strong condemnation of antisemitism while also highlighting its efforts to promote an inclusive campus environment.
GWU’s situation mirrors previous allegations involving the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which faced similar claims about failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. These ongoing concerns come amid broader scrutiny of university responses to antisemitism, particularly amidst a heightened national focus during the Trump administration, which has pressured institutions to confront campus antisemitism more forcefully.
The DOJ’s findings emphasize that GWU’s actions, or lack thereof, indicated a failure to uphold the rights of its Jewish students and faculty, creating a worrying precedent for how universities manage civil rights complaints related to discrimination. The university has asserted its commitment to combating antisemitism and has collaborated with Jewish organizations to foster a safer campus culture.
If GWU does not comply with the DOJ’s recommendations by the stipulated deadline, they may face potential enforcement actions. This ongoing situation raises critical questions about university responsibilities in managing and preventing hate-related incidents on college campuses.
The coming weeks will be crucial for GWU as it navigates its response to the DOJ’s findings and the implications for student safety and civil rights compliance.
The DOJ accuses GWU of being deliberately indifferent to antisemitism on campus, violating civil rights laws and creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty.
The DOJ has given GWU until August 22 to respond to a voluntary resolution agreement aimed at addressing antisemitism on campus.
The situation at GWU parallels concerns raised regarding UCLA, where the university faced allegations of not adequately protecting Jewish students from harassment.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Accusation | GWU accused of violating civil rights laws related to antisemitism. |
| Documented Incidents | Numerous cases of harassment during pro-Palestinian protests. |
| Deadline | GWU has until August 22 to respond to the DOJ. |
| Previous Cases | Similar allegations faced by UCLA regarding antisemitism. |
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