U.S. Education Department Investigates Haverford College Over Antisemitism Handling

The Trump administration has launched a federal investigation into Haverford College for allegedly failing to address antisemitic harassment and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students on campus, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights cited credible reports that the college dismissed student concerns, minimized vandalism of Jewish events and posters, and advised Jewish students to "be brave" rather than expect protection. This investigation follows the college president Wendy Raymond's congressional testimony, during which she was criticized for a lack of transparency and failure to provide specific disciplinary details regarding antisemitic incidents. The inquiry is part of a broader federal effort targeting more than 60 universities for similar alleged antisemitism violations following increased campus tensions after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Critics, including House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg, have praised the administration’s actions and emphasized the need to protect Jewish students from hostility and intimidation. Haverford College is currently reviewing the complaint, while the investigation continues amid ongoing scrutiny of campus responses to antisemitism nationwide.