The White House announced plans to freeze over $500 million of Brown University’s federal funding, citing concerns over the university’s handling of campus antisemitism and its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. University officials say they have not yet received an official notice regarding the funding freeze.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) announced the intent to create an antisemitism advisory committee with the goal of improving the campus climate. This initiative follows the 2024 filing of a federal civil rights complaint by former student body president Tessa Veksler, who experienced antisemitism during her tenure. The university aims to strengthen safety and inclusion for Jewish and Israeli students after accusations of failing to address antisemitic harassment.
A Federal judge ruled that Jewish groups can pursue their lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley, which alleges that the university tolerated persistent antisemitic harassment toward Jewish students and faculty. The plaintiffs claim university officials were deliberately indifferent to a hostile environment on campus. The judge allowed claims related to equal protection, free exercise of religion, and civil rights to move forward.
The White House is reviewing Harvard University’s federal funding, which includes $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants. Officials are assessing whether Harvard is complying with civil rights laws following reports of antisemitism on campus. Harvard President Alan Garber said funding cuts could affect research and innovation, and that the university would “take the measures that will move Harvard and its vital mission forward.”
The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, citing the institution’s lack of response to persistent harassment of Jewish students. Columbia responded in a statement, saying: “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously…and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”
The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is reviewing $5 billion in grant funding to Columbia University due to high levels of antisemitism on campus. The task force, which includes representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration, is investigating Columbia’s response to antisemitic incidents. While the university has expressed a commitment to addressing these issues, the potential funding cuts highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and security of Jewish students.