Trump administration opens civil rights probes into two California universities over alleged antisemitism
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched investigations into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University for purported failures to protect Jewish students from harassment.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced federal investigations into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University, citing complaints that Jewish students faced intimidation, exclusion and physical threats on campus. Allegations include hostile classroom climates, anti-Israel protests disrupting classes, and an email from a senior administrator that allegedly labeled Jews based on their stance toward Israel.
San Francisco State is further accused of tolerating antisemitic graffiti, attempted break-ins targeting Jewish students, and hosting events featuring extremist speakers linked to a student chapter of the General Union of Palestine Students, identified as a PLO affiliate. Officials claim both schools failed to adequately respond to repeated reports of harassment. The action builds on earlier Title IX violations found at San Jose State and implements President Trump’s 2025 executive order aimed at vigorously combating antisemitism under Title VI provisions.
Why it matters
Federal probes could affect funding and set precedents for how colleges handle antisemitic harassment.
In this story