PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona State University (ASU) is one of 60 schools nationwide under federal scrutiny for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism on campus, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
The schools have been warned that they could face enforcement actions for allowing violations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded institutions.
Federal Authorities Demand Action Against Campus Antisemitism
Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a statement on Monday condemning the rise of antisemitic incidents on college campuses.
“The department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” McMahon said.
On Friday, the Office for Civil Rights announced that antisemitism cases are now the top priority, focusing on colleges where pro-Palestinian protests have led to accusations of harassment and discrimination against Jewish students.
ASU Among Schools Under Federal Monitoring
The Department of Education has launched formal investigations into the following five universities:
- Columbia University
- Northwestern University
- Portland State University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
An additional 55 universities, including ASU, are under review or monitoring based on complaints received by the federal government. However, details about the specific complaints against ASU have not been disclosed.
ASU’s History of Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations
ASU had one significant pro-Palestinian protest last spring that resulted in dozens of arrests for trespassing and violating campus policies.
On April 26-27, 2024, demonstrators gathered in an unauthorized encampment on campus. Authorities intervened after midnight, citing violations of university policies, including:
- Overnight presence on campus
- Creating a disturbance
- Failure to reserve space for protests
In total, 68 individuals were arrested for trespassing, though only 20 were ASU students, according to university officials.
Title VI Enforcement and Potential Federal Funding Cuts
The federal warning comes after the Biden administration announced the cutting of $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University due to its failure to address antisemitism on campus.
If ASU and other universities fail to comply with Title VI regulations, they risk losing federal funding and facing additional penalties from the Department of Education.
The investigations and monitoring efforts underscore the federal government’s heightened focus on antisemitism in higher education, with Arizona State University now among the institutions under the national spotlight.
