UW warned it could lose funding over alleged antisemitism
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The U.S. Department of Education sent letters this week to 60 colleges and universities — including the University of Washington — warning they may lose federal funding if they don't do more to protect Jewish students from discrimination.
Why it matters: The warnings came just days after the Trump administration announced it was pulling $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, alleging a pattern of antisemitic harassment on campus.
- Columbia was at the center of nationwide protests last spring over Israel's handling of the war in Gaza.
Catch up quick: Earlier this month, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that "all federal funding will STOP" for schools and universities that allow "illegal protests."
Zoom in: In addition to UW, three other colleges in Washington state — Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College and Eastern Washington University — received letters from the Trump administration reminding them of their obligation to protect Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, according to an Education Department news release.
What they're saying: "The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety," newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a written statement.
- "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 antidiscrimination laws."
The other side: In a statement to Axios, UW spokesperson Victor Balta said the university "stands firmly against antisemitism."
- "We continue to engage with Jewish students, faculty, and community leaders" to create "an even more welcoming environment for all students," Balta wrote.
Flashback: UW reached an agreement with the Education Department's Office of Civil Rights in January — shortly before Trump took office — to resolve complaints that the university had failed to adequately respond to reports of harassment and discrimination.
- Those included complaints from Jewish students and reports of antisemitic graffiti.
- As part of the agreement, the university said it would review and update its policies for responding to complaints, conduct a campus climate survey, and provide anti-discrimination training, among other actions.
Between the lines: It's not clear whether the Education Department is opening a new civil rights investigation into UW and the other three Washington schools or merely keeping an eye on them.
- Monday's letter sent to UW president Ana Mari Cauce criticized the Biden administration for what it called "toothless" resolutions, without specifically addressing the UW agreement.
The latest: Craig Trainor, the Education Department's acting assistant secretary for civil rights, told Cauce the department had "opened directed investigations" into five schools, which the letter does not name.
- Additionally, the department "is currently conducting a comprehensive inventory" of other complaints of antisemitic harassment and violence, Trainor wrote.
- The department did not immediately answer additional questions from Axios about those investigations or the status of UW's agreement.