The Trump administration has added George Washington University to its list of targeted campuses, following high-profile investigations into Harvard and Columbia. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges GWU violated federal civil rights law during last year’s pro-Palestinian student protests.
Located in the nation’s capital, GWU was home to a weeks-long protest encampment last spring, where students demonstrated for Palestinian rights. This latest investigation is part of a broader DOJ campaign that has scrutinized universities, including Columbia, Northwestern, Cornell, Brown, and Harvard in recent months.
Allegations of Failing to Protect Jewish Students
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon accused GWU of being “deliberately indifferent” to alleged antisemitic harassment on campus during the protests.
In a letter to university president Ellen Granberg, Dhillon stated the DOJ “intends to proceed with enforcement” and is demanding “immediate remediation,” though the university can opt for a voluntary resolution agreement.
The DOJ did not detail potential penalties, but similar cases have led to severe consequences. At UCLA, a comparable finding prompted the White House to suspend more than $500 million in federal grants, forcing officials to negotiate a settlement involving financial and political concessions.
GWU’s Response to the Allegations
GWU spokesperson Shannon McClendon confirmed receipt of the DOJ’s letter and said the university is reviewing it.
“GW condemns antisemitism, which has absolutely no place on our campuses or in a civil and humane society,” McClendon said. “Our actions clearly demonstrate our commitment to addressing antisemitic actions and promoting an inclusive campus environment.”
With the DOJ’s investigation underway, GWU now finds itself at the center of a growing national battle over free speech, antisemitism, and political activism on U.S. campuses.
