TAMPA, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Education issued a stern warning Monday to 60 colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Tampa, demanding they bolster protections for Jewish students or face potential enforcement actions.
The federal agency’s letters, detailed in a news release, underscored the schools’ obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits institutions receiving federal funding from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin.
READ: Federal Judge Halts Deportation Of Columbia Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil
The Education Department’s action targets institutions already under investigation for alleged Title VI violations tied to “anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination.”
The agency emphasized that these schools must ensure Jewish students have “uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities,” signaling a crackdown on campus climates perceived as hostile to Jewish communities amid rising tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to address antisemitism on college campuses, a priority underscored by President Donald J. Trump’s warnings of financial penalties for non-compliant schools.
Last week, the administration announced it would withhold $400 million from Columbia University, citing its failure to safeguard Jewish students—an action that has set a precedent for Monday’s letters.
READ: Former VP Kamala Harris’ Doritos Story Takes Strange Turn Into ‘Innovation’ Plea
The investigations stem from complaints filed by Jewish advocacy groups and students, who allege that universities have allowed antisemitic incidents—ranging from vandalism to exclusionary protests—to fester unchecked, particularly in the wake of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
At USF, for instance, a 2024 encampment led by Students for Justice in Palestine drew criticism for slogans and actions some Jewish students found intimidating, though organizers denied antisemitic intent. Similar incidents at the University of Tampa have fueled the federal probe, though specifics of each case remain under review.
READ: FEMA Axes Staff For Playing Politics With Florida Hurricane Aid
Title VI does not explicitly mention religion, but courts have interpreted discrimination against Jewish students as falling under its protections due to their ethnic and national origins.
Schools found in violation could face penalties ranging from mandatory policy changes to the loss of billions in federal aid—a significant threat for institutions reliant on such funds for research, student aid, and operations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
