60 U.S. universities risk funding cuts over antisemitism protections

The U.S. Department of Education has issued warnings to 60 universities, including several in Massachusetts and Ohio, threatening to revoke federal funding if they fail to adequately protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination. This move aligns with heightened concerns over campus safety following the Israel-Hamas conflict, with officials noting that Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe. The warnings indicate that compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act is mandatory for receiving federal funds, with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasizing the need for universities to improve their handling of antisemitism. Institutions like Boston University, Harvard, and the University of Cincinnati are among those under scrutiny, facing potential enforcement actions. Some university representatives have expressed their commitment to addressing these issues, while others have criticized the timing of the warnings prior to the completion of investigations. The situation reflects ongoing tensions on campuses regarding free speech and safety during protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.