Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent letters to 60 schools on Monday that are being investigated for claims of antisemitism, including six schools in Massachusetts.
The letters warned of possible consequences if the schools do not move to protect Jewish students.
Boston University, Emerson College, Harvard University, Tufts University, Wellesley College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst are all under investigation for violating Title VI, which prohibits any institution that receives federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, and national origin.
“The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. “University leaders must do better.”
One of the schools on the list is Columbia University. Last week the Trump Administration took away $400 million in federal funding from the school, “due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”
Leaders of Columbia and Harvard have both testified before Congress about antisemitism on campus.
Harvard announced Monday it is imposing a temporary hiring freeze, saying it needs “to prepare for a wide range of financial circumstances,” over “rapidly shifting federal policies.”
In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, Wellesley College said it is "reviewing the letter" and "condemns antisemitism and other forms of hate and discrimination."
"We are continuing to make progress to improve the climate on campus and to ensure compliance with Title VI, including encouraging reporting and establishing mandatory Title VI anti-discrimination training for students and for other community members," the school said.
Tufts University declined to comment on the investigation, and WBZ NewsRadio has also reached out to all the other schools listed.