U.S. Civil Rights Investigations Target Medical Schools Over Antisemitism at Commencement Ceremonies

U.S. Civil Rights Investigations Target Medical Schools Over Antisemitism

The Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated investigations into four prominent medical schools, addressing allegations of antisemitic incidents reported during their 2024 commencement ceremonies.

Allegations Against Ivy League Institutions

Although HHS has not publicly named the institutions under investigation, the Wall Street Journal has indicated that Harvard, Columbia, Brown, and Johns Hopkins medical schools are the primary targets. These probes follow a tumultuous school year marred by rising antisemitism, particularly following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Concerns About Antisemitism in Medicine

Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at The Lawfare Project, expressed alarm over the growing antisemitic sentiments in medical environments. He stated, “After October 7, we saw Jew-hatred explode not just on college campuses and city streets, but in the medical profession. This has caused significant concern that anti-Jewish bias in medicine endangers the lives of Jewish patients—and these concerns have not been conclusively addressed to date.” He views the investigations announced by HHS as an essential step toward addressing these worrying sentiments.

Controversial Commencement Speaker at Harvard

The Harvard Medical School commencement ceremony drew criticism for its choice of speaker, media CEO Maria Ressa. This decision came after a series of alarming incidents, including an assault on an Israeli student by pro-Palestinian protesters and numerous reported antisemitic displays and chants, some of which openly praised Hamas. Many Jewish students accused Harvard of ignoring antisemitism on campus.

Ressa’s Controversial Remarks

Ressa had previously generated backlash for an op-ed comparing Israel’s actions to those of Nazi Germany after Hamas’s attack. During her commencement speech, she complained about being attacked for her pro-Palestinian advocacy, comments that many perceived as reinforcing antisemitic stereotypes. Reports claimed she praised pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus during her address.

Campus Climate and Student Safety

The atmosphere at these prestigious institutions became so hostile that some admitted Jewish students elected to attend alternative universities. A rabbi at Columbia even advised Jewish students to seek safer environments away from campus.

Government Response to Growing Antisemitism

President Donald Trump has swiftly addressed the rise in antisemitic incidents within the United States. His administration announced the formation of a multi-agency task force aimed at combating antisemitism. The investigations by HHS coincided with this initiative, as well as a previously signed executive order aimed at discouraging antisemitism on college campuses.

Calls for Accountability

Filitti remarked on HHS’s rapid action following President Trump’s executive order, noting, “HHS’s quick implementation acknowledges the universities’ failure to confront antisemitism, despite ongoing lawsuits and investigations.” He criticized the Biden Administration for its slower response compared to Trump’s decisive actions.

Education Department Investigations

In addition to HHS’s investigations, the Department of Education has launched multiple civil rights inquiries into several other universities, including Columbia, Northwestern, and the University of California—Berkeley. These investigations illustrate a broader commitment to addressing antisemitism and protecting the rights of Jewish students across higher education.

Addressing Antisemitism in Academic Settings

Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of the nonprofit Do No Harm, commented on the matter, stating, “Antisemitism has no place in American society, especially in medical schools. Institutions that promote a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda need to be vigilant against antisemitic behavior. The Department of Health and Human Services is correct to raise concerns about openly antisemitic protests.”

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Change

The future of these investigations remains uncertain, but it underscores the urgent need for educational institutions to confront and eradicate antisemitism. As scrutiny increases, these universities must take steps to ensure the safety and dignity of all students. Addressing these issues sincerely could pave the way for a more inclusive environment, setting a standard for how academic institutions handle discrimination and bias.