Trump Administration Accuses George Washington University of Civil Rights Violations

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it had determined George Washington University (GWU) had violated federal civil rights law. The administration will pursue "immediate remediation" from the university. The Department of Justice stated that GWU had demonstrated "deliberate indifference to the hostile educational environment for Jewish, American-Israeli, and Israeli students and faculty." This occurred during pro-Palestinian protests held in April and May of 2024. Representatives from the Washington, D.C.-based university were unavailable for immediate comment.

In a letter addressed to university President Ellen Granberg, Assistant Attorney-General Harmeet Dhillon detailed the Justice Department's findings. The department found that members of the university community participated in "antisemitic, disruptive protests," including the establishment of an encampment at University Yard. Dhillon stated that these actions were intended to "frighten, intimidate, and deny" Jewish, Israeli, and American-Israeli students access to the university environment.

Dhillon's letter further stated that the Justice Department found GWU was deliberately indifferent to complaints, misconduct, and the resulting harms, despite having actual notice of the abuses occurring on campus. The Justice Department intends to proceed with enforcement but is offering the university the option to resolve the matter through a voluntary resolution agreement. The university has until August 22 to indicate its interest in such a dialogue.

George Washington University is the latest institution targeted by the Trump administration. The administration has previously threatened to withhold federal funds from universities due to pro-Palestinian protests related to the war in Gaza.

Protesters, including some Jewish groups, argue that the Trump administration is wrongly equating criticism of Israel's military actions and its occupation of Palestinian territories with antisemitism. They also claim that advocacy for Palestinian rights is being unfairly linked to support for extremism.