Drexel University to Address Antisemitism Complaints

Drexel University has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education to improve its handling of discrimination complaints related to shared ancestry, following a federal investigation that revealed deficiencies in the university's response to 35 reported incidents of harassment against Jewish students. The probe was initiated after a dormitory fire incident but found no evidence of antisemitism or hate crime. However, it highlighted a hostile environment at Drexel, marked by anti-Jewish graffiti and social media threats over the past year and a half. In response, the university will review past complaints, enhance training for faculty and staff, and revise its policies regarding discrimination investigations. This investigation is part of a broader initiative involving over 150 similar cases across educational institutions after the October 7 attack on Israel. Drexel's president emphasized a commitment to preventing all forms of discrimination and harassment on campus.