Washington University, led by George, finds itself under scrutiny by the current Trump administration.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has found George Washington University (GWU) in violation of federal civil rights law regarding Jewish, Israeli, and American-Israeli students and faculty, following a spring 2024 investigation into pro-Palestinian protests at the university[1][2][3].
The DOJ's investigation uncovered that GWU ignored multiple complaints—at least eight filed between April 25 and early May 2024—about demonstrators targeting these specific groups with harassment, intimidation, and discrimination, creating a hostile educational environment[1][2][3]. The protests, centred in GWU’s University Yard, persisted nearly two weeks during final exams and graduation, with protesters allegedly aiming to frighten and deny affected students free access to campus facilities and classes[2][3].
The DOJ's Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned GWU of impending legal enforcement unless the school engaged in a voluntary resolution by August 22, 2025[1][3]. The department emphasized that failure to address antisemitism properly is illegal and said no institution is exempt from federal civil rights laws[1][3].
GWU responded by condemning antisemitism, affirming its commitment to hold individuals accountable, and stating it has taken measures under university policy to preserve a respectful environment and promote dialogue, including actions taken during the encampment[1][2]. Additionally, GWU suspended the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) student group connected to the protests and extended disciplinary probation periods related to the incident as part of ongoing responses[4].
The Trump administration has been perceived by some as equating advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism[5]. The administration has threatened to cut federal funds for universities over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza[6]. Some Jewish groups are among the protesters who say the Trump administration wrongly equates criticism of Israel's military actions with antisemitism[7].
As of the statement, representatives for GWU could not be immediately reached for comment. The DOJ's letter to GWU President Ellen Granberg outlines the department's findings and offers the university the opportunity for a voluntary resolution agreement regarding the violations of federal civil rights law[1][3].
References:
- The Hill
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- The Forward
- The Guardian
- The Intercept
- The Jerusalem Post
- The DOJ's investigation into pro-Palestinian protests at George Washington University (GWU) has revealed that politics and general news, namely war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice, have seeped into the educational environment, causing a hostile situation for Jewish, Israeli, and American-Israeli students and faculty.
- The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking legal action against GWU for alleged violation of federal civil rights laws, bringing ongoing issues of war-and-conflicts, politics, general news, and crime-and-justice to the forefront of discussions about campus safety and fairness for all students.
