Overview

• The Civil Rights Division concluded GWU showed “deliberate indifference” to an “objectively offensive, severe, and pervasive” hostile environment faced by Jewish, American-Israeli and Israeli students during April–May 2024 protests.
• Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon’s notice gives GWU until August 22 to negotiate a voluntary resolution agreement or risk enforcement actions, including suspension of federal research and aid funding.
• DOJ investigators cited episodes in which protesters surrounded Jewish students shouting antisemitic slurs and campus officials told victims to leave rather than dispersing aggressors.
• GWU spokesperson Shannon McClendon said the university condemns antisemitism, is reviewing the DOJ letter and remains committed to safeguarding students and fostering inclusivity.
• The finding is the latest in President Trump’s campaign to leverage Title VI investigations and funding threats against several universities over alleged antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.