The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced the resolution of three complaints against Rutgers University. These complaints alleged discrimination based on national origin, including shared ancestry, across the university's four Chancellor-Led Units: New Brunswick, Newark (including Rutgers Law School), Camden, and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences since October 2023.

During its investigation, OCR identified compliance concerns under Title VI regarding differential treatment of students based on shared ancestry and the university's response to reports of harassment and potential hostile environments for students. The investigation focused on national origins such as Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and South Asian ancestries.

Evidence provided by the university suggested a likely hostile environment based on national origin/shared ancestry in university programs or activities without proper redress as required under Title VI. Some students were reportedly subjected to discriminatory treatment based on their actual or perceived national origin/ethnicity or association with certain national origins/shared ancestries.

The OCR reviewed over 400 reports received by the university alleging shared ancestry discrimination between July 2023 and June 2024. Among these reports, 293 alleged discrimination against students with shared Jewish ancestry and/or Israeli national origin and ancestry. Additionally, 147 reports involved allegations against students with Palestinian, Arab, South Asian, and/or Muslim ancestry.

Specific incidents reported included threats posted on social media against an Israeli student; vandalism involving a swastika; threats against members of a Jewish fraternity; protest chants that made Jewish students feel unsafe; exclusion from an encampment at New Brunswick CLU; egging of the Bildner Center for Jewish Studies; vandalism at the Center for Islamic Life; removal of pro-Palestinian materials while other unrelated items remained untouched since October 2023; and doxxing based on actual or perceived ethnicity.

To address these Title VI compliance concerns identified by OCR so far, Rutgers University has committed to several actions:

- Reviewing policies affecting Title VI provisions to ensure they address prohibitions on discrimination.

- Issuing statements reinforcing intolerance for acts of discrimination.

- Reviewing past complaints to determine if further action is needed.

- Providing training for employees investigating discrimination complaints.

- Offering annual training for Campus Police Officers.

- Conducting listening sessions with relevant groups.

- Developing climate assessments related to national origin issues.

"Rutgers University has committed to resolution terms that will address serious Title VI noncompliance indicated in their records regarding different treatment of students based on stereotypes about the countries students and their families come from as well as unredressed harassment of students and faculty that appear to have created a hostile environment in university campuses inconsistent with the university’s federal civil rights obligations," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon. "OCR looks forward to the change that will come for Rutgers University as a result of this agreement and to ongoing work with the university to ensure its compliance."

The resolution letter and agreement are available on the Office for Civil Rights website.