Education Department Investigates Antisemitism at Sarah Lawrence

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a Title VI investigation into Sarah Lawrence College following a complaint from Hillels of Westchester, representing Jewish students who allege discrimination and harassment based on their Jewish identity. The complaint, initially filed in March 2024, claims that Jewish students have faced verbal attacks and that the college administration has failed to adequately respond to these incidents. Hillel's concerns intensified after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which they say exacerbated an already hostile environment for Jewish students on campus. The investigation aims to determine if the college did not fulfill its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs. Rachel Klein, executive director of Hillels of Westchester, expressed hope that the investigation would lead to significant cultural changes at the college. Sarah Lawrence College has not publicly responded to the investigation or the allegations made by Hillels of Westchester.