Since early October 2023, the armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas has created untold strife and suffering—not just in the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas, where the war is primarily playing out, but also on a global scale. Now, the conflict's ripple effect has resulted in an investigation targeting six American colleges and universities. 

Read on to learn which schools have come under the microscope and what triggered these investigations. If you or your child have been embroiled in matters of discrimination at one of these institutions or any other, contact the LLF Law Firm right away by clicking here or calling 888.535.3686. 

A World Away from the Physical Conflict, America's Campuses Are Embroiled in Academic Conflict 

The six institutions under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education are Columbia University, the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Cornell University, Lafayette College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Wellesley College.  

An investigation is also occurring at the Maize Unified School District in Maize, KS.  

Each of these schools is facing allegations of “possible discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics,” according to a November 16 press release from the U.S. Department of Education. The institutions face being found in violation(s) of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  

This law protects students from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, distinct religious identity, and other factors. Universities and colleges in violation of Title VI face the loss of federal financial funding.  

The DOE's press also indicated that out of seven total complaints filed against the various educational institutions, five allege antisemitic harassment, and two detail possible anti-Muslim harassment. 

Harassment, Shouts, Threats, Taunts 

While the Education Department declined to offer specific information detailing the accused discrimination, there's no shortage of incidents that might have triggered the need for governmental oversight.  

On November 10, Columbia University suspended two groups that support Palestinian perspectives. Jewish students at Penn, Wellesley, and Cornell have been the target of antisemitic threats and taunts—both in person and in online communications. And an October 25 video clip shows fearful Jewish students barricaded inside the Cooper Union library while protestors siding with Palestine attempt to breach the locked doors, all while shouting “Free Palestine.”  

Could These Investigations Be the Tip of the Proverbial Iceberg? 

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has said that more investigations into additional schools are likely. Additionally, he warned that although it's not a foregone conclusion, some institutions may lose federal funding if the investigations uncover documented examples of discrimination. 

Of course, discrimination against certain people isn't restricted to this conflict or to any particular circumstance. What's more, colleges and universities don't necessarily come under such public scrutiny. Suppose you or your child has found themselves embroiled in such a situation, whether as the target or the accused perpetrator of the alleged discrimination, the Education Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help. Call 888.535.3686 or click here to get started.