Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Northwestern University Under Federal Investigation

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Northwestern University Under Federal Investigation for Response to Pro-Palestinian Protests

Department of Education Launches Inquiry into Title VI Violations

Northwestern University is one of five schools nationwide being investigated by the Department of Education under the Trump Administration for “widespread antisemitic harassment,” the department announced. The inquiry is focused on Title VI violations, a provision that protects people from race, color, and national origin bias.

Investigation Stemmed from October 2023 Hamas Attack on Israel

The investigation comes less than a week after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that lays out a path to revoke the visas of and deport international students if they take part in pro-Palestinian protests. The Department of Education stated that it is opening the inquiry to look for Title VI violations in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

University Spokesperson Confident in Measures Taken

A spokesperson for Northwestern University said it was “confident” in the measures it had taken to update the student code of conduct, among other actions, and would fully cooperate with the investigation. The university established an Advisory Committee Against Antisemitism and Hate in November 2023, made up of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees to make recommendations for policies at the school. An addendum to the student code of conduct last April created tighter restrictions around protest on campus.

Previous Investigation and Controversy

The school was previously investigated for Title VI violations under the Biden Administration over students’ on-campus protests. The investigation stemmed from a complaint by Zachary Marshall, the editor in chief of Campus Reform, a conservative website, citing events held on campus in fall 2023, including a vigil where the colors of the Palestinian flag were projected onto Deering Library, and a student walkout demanding the university end relationships with organizations supporting Israel.

University President Grilled by Congress

The university’s president, Michael Schill, who is Jewish, was grilled by Congress over the deal in May. He was one of three university leaders called to testify on the matter. The agreement Schill made in exchange for student organizers dismantling their five-day encampment included a dedicated space for Middle Eastern and North African and Muslim students because they “had no place to pray,” something Schill said was given to Jewish, Catholic, and Lutheran students.

Conclusion

The investigation into Northwestern University’s response to pro-Palestinian protests highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding free speech and identity-based discrimination on college campuses. The university has taken steps to address concerns around antisemitism and hate, but the investigation will likely continue to shed light on the complex issues surrounding campus protests and free expression.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the investigation?
The investigation is focused on determining whether Northwestern University has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
* What is the basis for the investigation?
The investigation stems from a complaint by Zachary Marshall, the editor in chief of Campus Reform, citing events held on campus in fall 2023, including a vigil where the colors of the Palestinian flag were projected onto Deering Library, and a student walkout demanding the university end relationships with organizations supporting Israel.
* What is the university’s response to the investigation?
A spokesperson for Northwestern University said it was “confident” in the measures it had taken to update the student code of conduct, among other actions, and would fully cooperate with the investigation.

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