Education Department warns 60 colleges on antisemitism protections

The U.S. Department of Education has issued warnings to 60 colleges and universities, including Arizona State University (ASU), regarding their obligations to protect Jewish students from antisemitism, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The letters, which signal potential enforcement actions, come amid rising concerns over antisemitic incidents on campuses, particularly following protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. ASU has acknowledged the letter, emphasizing its commitment to opposing antisemitism, while several universities face scrutiny for not adequately addressing complaints from Jewish advocacy groups. The department's actions align with a broader initiative from the Trump administration to combat antisemitism in educational settings, including the recent cancellation of $400 million in federal funds to Columbia University for similar failures. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed disappointment over the ongoing safety fears of Jewish students and stressed the need for universities to adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws. This crackdown follows a year marked by significant antisemitic incidents on campuses nationwide.