UC Berkeley Gives 160 Names to Feds in Antisemitism Probe

UC Berkeley has handed over the names of 160 faculty, students, and staff to the Trump administration's Department of Education Office for Civil Rights as part of a federal investigation into alleged antisemitic incidents on campus. The university complied under direction from the University of California system's Office of the President amid threats from the administration to withhold over $500 million in federal research funding. Those named, including noted feminist philosopher Judith Butler, have been informed but provided with no details about the specific allegations or evidence, prompting concerns about due process and fairness. Butler and others criticized the move as reminiscent of McCarthy-era tactics, highlighting the breach of trust and potential risks of surveillance. The Trump administration has been aggressively targeting universities for alleged pro-Palestinian activism linked to antisemitism, while UC Berkeley officials emphasize the need to balance fighting discrimination with protecting free speech. This action reflects broader tensions between the administration and higher education institutions over academic freedom and political activism.