George Washington University (GWU) has landed in hot water with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) after a major civil rights investigation found the school failed to protect Jewish, American-Israeli, and Israeli students and faculty from a hostile learning environment.
The findings are a serious blow for the university, as the DOJ says GWU didn’t just overlook the problem — it acted with “deliberate indifference,” ignoring complaints and allowing misconduct to persist.
What the Investigation Uncovered
The probe was led by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This law makes it illegal for institutions that receive federal funding to discriminate, harass, or allow abuse based on race or national origin.
According to investigators, GWU failed to take “meaningful action” after receiving reports of antisemitic harassment.
The result, the DOJ says, was ongoing harm to Jewish and Israeli members of the campus community, with the university choosing not to address the problem in any meaningful way.
Justice Department Sends a Clear Message
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon didn’t mince words when addressing the findings.
“Every student has the right to equal educational opportunities without fear of harassment or abuse,” she said.
“No one is above the law, and universities that allow antisemitic discrimination will face legal consequences.”
The DOJ now plans to work directly with GWU to enforce immediate changes and ensure compliance with civil rights protections.
What Happens Next
The Justice Department will push for swift “remediation” measures, meaning GWU could face strict oversight, policy overhauls, and mandatory protections for targeted groups.
This case also sends a warning to other universities — if they ignore discrimination complaints, they could be next in line for federal action.