Columbia University violated Jewish students' civil rights, says health department

In May 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights announced findings from an investigation into Columbia University located in the United States. The investigation revealed that from October 7, 2023, onward, Columbia exhibited 'deliberate indifference' toward the harassment of Jewish students on its campus. This indifference included a failure to establish effective reporting mechanisms until summer 2024 and to enforce its policies regarding student misconduct and vandalism. As a result, numerous incidents of antisemitism and anti-Israel demonstrations disrupted the educational environment for Jewish students at Columbia, creating a hostile campus atmosphere. Columbia, facing criticism from the Trump administration, had already seen over $400 million slashed from federal funding due to its perceived failure to act against antisemitism, highlighting the administration's broader crackdown on universities regarding issues of free speech and safety. The investigation's findings stemmed from various sources, including testimonies, media reports, and internal university documents. It documented the struggles Jewish students faced, emphasizing the detrimental effect on their education and well-being over the past 19 months. Columbia University officials stated their commitment to combatting antisemitism and discrimination, indicating that they planned to work with the federal government to address the situation. However, critics have argued that this approach could compromise academic freedom and fail to adequately support students' needs. Federal agencies have been increasingly scrutinizing higher education institutions and enforcing compliance with civil rights laws. This investigation into Columbia reflects a growing concern about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses across the nation. Various protests have erupted since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, transforming Columbia into a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. These protests often included messages deemed antisemitic, raising alarm among Jewish students who reported feeling unsafe and marginalized. As the situation escalates, the ongoing discussions between Columbia University and the government will be critical in determining the university's course of action moving forward. Stakeholders, including student groups, faculty, and administration, will play a vital role in shaping the university's response to both internal and external pressures regarding the sensitive topics of antisemitism and freedom of expression on campus.