The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on Monday informed the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa that they are under investigation for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act related to antisemitic harassment and discrimination.
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in institutions receiving federal funding. Under a directive reaffirmed by the Trump administration’s January 2025 executive order, the Department of Education has prioritized enforcement against antisemitic discrimination, citing reports of harassment, intimidation, and denial of campus access for Jewish students.
The two Florida institutions are among 60 universities nationwide that received formal letters warning of potential enforcement actions if they fail to uphold federal anti-discrimination laws.
“The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal anti-discrimination laws.”
The letters follow the Trump administration’s decision last week to revoke $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, citing inaction on antisemitic incidents.
Both Florida universities named in the letter now face federal oversight as investigations proceed. If violations are confirmed and corrective actions are not taken, the institutions could risk funding penalties or additional enforcement measures.
0 Comments