The Department of Justice recently announced plans for a federal task force to combat antisemitism on college campuses across the United States. This task force will be visiting 10 campuses, including UCLA, USC, and UC Berkeley, to investigate allegations of antisemitic incidents. The visits come in response to concerns that these institutions may have failed to protect Jewish students and faculty members from discrimination, particularly in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests that erupted last spring.
Leo Terrill, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and a leading member of the task force, stated that the group’s mission is to eradicate antisemitism, especially within educational settings. Terrill emphasized the administration’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. The task force will engage with university leadership, affected students and staff, local law enforcement, and community members to determine if any remedial action is necessary.
At UCLA, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Mary Osako affirmed the university’s dedication to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate. She highlighted Chancellor Julio Frenk’s efforts to promote a campus environment that fosters peace and inclusivity. Similarly, USC issued a statement denouncing antisemitism and reaffirming its commitment to protecting all students, including those from the Jewish community, from discrimination. The university prides itself on having one of the largest Jewish student bodies in the country.
UC Berkeley, another campus scheduled for a visit from the task force, expressed confidence in its processes for addressing antisemitic incidents. Spokesperson Dan Mogulof emphasized the university’s commitment to responding to complaints through the proper channels outlined by the Department of Justice. While the task force will also be visiting several other campuses with significant Jewish populations, such as Columbia, Harvard, and New York University, the focus remains on addressing antisemitism in educational settings.
The origins of the task force can be traced back to President Trump’s executive order on combating antisemitism, issued on January 29. This order prompted the Department of Justice to establish a multi-agency task force dedicated to rooting out antisemitic harassment in schools and on college campuses. The task force’s investigations into allegations of antisemitism at various universities, including UC Berkeley and Columbia, were initiated independently by the department.
The executive order also called for monitoring and reporting activities by alien students and staff that could potentially lead to visa revocation. While the order did not explicitly equate pro-Palestinian protesters with supporters of Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist organization, it underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing antisemitism in all its forms. The task force, which includes representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to tackle antisemitism head-on.
Pro-Palestinian protests at UCLA and USC last year garnered national attention, with reports of antisemitic incidents and clashes between demonstrators. Both universities faced criticism for their handling of these events, prompting internal and external reviews. The task force’s upcoming visits to these campuses underscore the importance of addressing antisemitism and fostering a welcoming environment for all community members.
As the federal task force prepares to engage with university stakeholders, students, and law enforcement officials, it signals a renewed commitment to combatting antisemitism in educational settings. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their religious backgrounds, the task force aims to create a more inclusive and harmonious campus environment for future generations.
