The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened investigations on Aug. 6 into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University following allegations that both institutions permit and perpetuate antisemitic harassment against students on campus. The investigations will determine if the universities violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Complaints submitted to the Office for Civil Rights allege that Jewish students at San Jose State University have faced threats, social exclusion, and an unwelcoming classroom environment due to their Jewish ancestry. Reports include anti-Israel protests disrupting classes, displacing students and staff, as well as physical attacks on Jewish students since the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. An email from San Jose State’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Former Interim Chief Diversity Officer reportedly distinguished between “good Jews” and “bad Jews” based on support for the Israeli government.
At San Francisco State University, complaints allege that faculty members have created a hostile environment for Jewish students through their positions of authority. Additional reports detail antisemitic graffiti, attempted break-ins targeting Jewish students, and events featuring speakers with ties to terrorist groups hosted by the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas program. Some Jewish students described their campus experience as one of “intimidation, exclusion, and fear.” The General Union of Palestine Students—a branch of the Palestine Liberation Organization—maintains its last remaining student chapter at SFSU.
Both universities are accused in complaints of failing to acknowledge or meaningfully respond to cases of antisemitic harassment on campus; in some instances, they are alleged to have condoned such acts.
“Discrimination has no place on college campuses. The same California leaders who wax eloquent about their commitment to ‘equity’ and ‘social justice’ appear to turn their backs on violent, harmful acts of antisemitic intimidation and harassment,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “We will investigate these allegations, ensure the safety of Jewish students, and protect the right of every student in America to an education free from discrimination.”
Earlier this year, OCR found San Jose State University in violation of Title IX for allowing males to compete in women’s sports programs; this led to a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action notifying the university it risked losing federal funding due to noncompliance with federal law. On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism declaring it is “the policy of the United States to combat anti-Semitism vigorously.” Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in educational programs receiving federal financial assistance.