US Department of Health and Human Services Investigates Medical Schools for Antisemitism

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a review of four medical schools to assess their compliance with civil rights laws in response to antisemitic conduct during 2024 commencement ceremonies. This investigation, part of the broader initiative to combat antisemitism, follows an executive order by President Donald Trump on January 29, aimed at strengthening measures to fight antisemitism in academic settings.

Reports of antisemitism, offensive symbols, messages, and alleged support for terrorist organizations during academic ceremonies have raised concerns. The HHS is now investigating whether these incidents were met with indifference, potentially violating Jewish students' rights to access equal educational opportunities, free from discrimination or harassment.

The investigation centers on whether the medical schools' response to these incidents aligns with the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Affordable Care Act, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The department noted that the institutions involved are recipients of federal funding, and as such, must adhere to the civil rights laws that mandate a non-discriminatory learning environment.

One of the schools under investigation reportedly received over $300 million in federal funding in 2024. HHS Office for Civil Rights acting director Anthony Archeval emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring that federal funds are used to create safe, inclusive educational environments for all students.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed its support for the HHS investigation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding Jewish students and ensuring that academic institutions provide a healthy environment free of discrimination. The ADL welcomed the initiative and hopes it will lead to stronger protections for Jewish students at medical schools and beyond.

In addition to the medical schools, the Education Department has also initiated civil rights investigations into five other universities following accusations of failing to protect Jewish students during and after the October 7 Massacre. The institutions under scrutiny include Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

The Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, which includes the Justice Department, Education Department, and HHS, is leading these efforts. Task force head Leo Terrell, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights senior counsel, stated that combating antisemitism is a core responsibility of the Department of Justice. "Antisemitism in any environment is repugnant to this nation’s ideals," he remarked, emphasizing that the task force is committed to eradicating such hatred in schools and across the nation.

President Trump’s executive order addresses the rise of antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 attacks, which sparked a wave of hate speech, violence, and discrimination, especially on school campuses. The executive order directs government agencies to draft a plan within two months to combat antisemitism, particularly focusing on campus environments where Jewish students have faced denial of access to campus facilities, harassment, and even physical threats.