Federal authorities criticize George Washington University for mishandling antisemitic harassment during a campus demonstration rally
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded its investigation into George Washington University (GWU) for alleged antisemitic discrimination and harassment, finding that the university was "deliberately indifferent" to a hostile educational environment targeting Jewish, Israeli, and American-Israeli students and faculty[1][2][3].
The investigation, conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, focused on antisemitic discrimination against these groups on campus. Key details from the DOJ investigation include:
- Antisemitic incidents occurred notably from around April to May 2024, coinciding with final exams and graduation ceremonies. Protesters set up an "encampment" on the university’s central University Yard with the apparent intent to intimidate and prevent Jewish and Israeli students from accessing campus freely[3].
- Jewish students were subjected to harassment, abuse, intimidation, and even physical assaults. Some students reported fear of attending classes or being visibly identified on campus due to threats and hostility. Antisemitic and racial slurs were common during these protests[3][5].
- Despite GWU having actual notice of these incidents and complaints, the university failed to adequately respond or protect the affected students, thus violating federal civil rights law[1][2][3].
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the DOJ Civil Rights Division stated that no institution is above the law and that universities tolerating antisemitic discrimination will face legal consequences[1][2].
In response, GWU has stated that it has acted under university policies and law to hold individuals accountable, particularly regarding the controversial protests and associated events[2]. The university has also suspended the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) student group amid broader reviews of antisemitism on campus[4].
GWU's spokesperson, Shannon McClendon, has issued a statement condemning antisemitism and committing to addressing antisemitic actions on campus. The university has also demonstrated its commitment to promoting an inclusive campus environment by upholding a safe, respectful, and accountable environment[2].
The DOJ is seeking immediate remediation and has offered GWU an opportunity to enter a voluntary resolution agreement which would include reforms to prevent future discrimination and harassment. The university was asked to respond by August 22, 2025[1][2][3].
GWU remains committed to ensuring every student has the right to equal educational opportunities without fear of harassment or abuse. The hostile environment created was "objectively offensive, severe, and pervasive" enough to deny Jewish and Israeli students equal access to the school's educational program[1]. Universities that promote antisemitic discrimination will face legal consequences, according to the Assistant Attorney General[1][2]. The pro-Palestinian protestors at GWU have vowed to stay despite House GOP calls to shutdown the encampment.
The complete Notice of Findings is available on the DOJ's website. GWU has worked diligently with members of the Jewish community, Jewish community organizations, city, and federal authorities to protect the campus from antisemitism.
- Despite GWU's commitment to promoting an inclusive campus environment, the DOJ's investigation into antisemitic discrimination and harassment highlights the need for the university to also address general news issues, such as politics, as the incidents seemed to coincide with sensitive periods like final exams and graduation ceremonies.
- In light of the ongoing crime-and-justice issue at George Washington University, where Jewish and Israeli students face antisemitic discrimination and harassment, it is crucial for educational-and-self-development institutions to ensure that their students can learn in a safe, invigorating, and equitable environment, free from fear, intimidation, or hostility.
