The Trump administration has escalated its crackdown on US Universities and colleges, also moving to Ivy League schools and other institutions like the University of California (UC) system. The plan to widen the investigation into these campuses marks a broader push by the White House to challenge how higher education institutions are handling issues like antisemitism and political bias.
Trump’s Next Target: University of California system
Leo Terrell, senior counsel at the Department of Justice and head of its antisemitism task force, told Fox News in an interview that the UC system should prepare for major lawsuits. He suggested that universities across different regions — including the East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest — could soon face legal action as well.
Terrell warned that this could turn out to be “a battle in the courtroom”. He further added, ‘’If it goes all the way to the Supreme Court, Trump is going to do that. That’s why the Department of Justice, that’s why the task force is here,.’
The Trump administration has repeatedly pointed out that widespread pro-Palestinian protests, especially those opposing the war in Gaza, have been allowed to grow on university campuses. UCLA was one of the campuses where large demonstrations occurred, which led lawmakers to summon former chancellor Gene Block to testify before Congress.
Federal agencies are currently investigating whether schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine have violated the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against race-based admissions. They are also examining the UC system’s financial connections with foreign donors and whether the institutions permitted an “antisemitic hostile work environment” for faculty and staff.
The UC system has 10 campuses and employs over 260,000 staff, but because of its public status, it could face exposure. This University is more vulnerable to litigation involving free speech and civil rights in comparison to private institutions. UC Berkeley is also among the 60 universities which is under radar by the Department of Education for alleged antisemitic harassment along with Brown, Princeton, and Yale.
Trump administration vs IVY Leagues
Apart from Harvard, there are many IVY League Schools that have witnessed an escalation in campus investigation along with major funding cuts.
Columbia University: The Trump administration has halted around $400 million in federal funding to Colombia, citing failure to safeguard Jewish students.
University of Pennsylvania: This University faced a suspension of $175 million in federal funds. Unlike others, the action was taken because of antisemitism, but on university rules related to transgender athletes.
Princeton University: A federal fund of $210 million was stalled to Princeton University. The administration mentioned that the university’s handling of campus issues related to antisemitism and civil rights were the reason behind the pause of the funds.
Brown University: Brown University has to face a suspension of half a billion dollars of federal funding. The administration pointed out its action related to Brown’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and its failure to handle antisemitic environments on campus.
Cornell University: Cornell University has become the latest Ivy League Institution to face federal actions as grants for Education, Defense, Health, and Human Services have been stopped. The admiration has flagged the campus climate concerns and compliance issues as main factors behind the decision.