Update, March 11, 4:40 p.m.: The article was updated to include a response from Cornell Media Relations.
Cornell is one of 60 universities that received letters from the U.S. Department of Education warning them to address antisemitism on their campuses or face “enforcement action,” according to an ED press release on Monday. This is the latest move by the Trump administration to threaten universities over antisemitism concerns amid student activism that erupted after the Oct. 7 attacks and the war in Gaza.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 29 titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism,” which set measures for “[higher education] institutions to monitor for and report activities by alien students.” After Trump signed the executive order, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a Columbia University graduate, who had been a lead negotiator at the school’s “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” in the spring of 2024.
Columbia was among five universities that were initially investigated for antisemitism in an ED probe announced on Feb 3. Subsequently, the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism — formed out of several federal agencies — canceled approximately $400 million in federal funds to Columbia, citing “the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”
Now, Cornell faces a similar inquiry. Monday’s ED press release warns Cornell and other universities of “potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act [of 1964].” This includes allowing Jewish students “uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities.”
The Monday ED statement specified that the letters were addressed to educational institutions with ongoing investigations for Title VI violations related to antisemitic harassment and discrimination.
“Cornell is in receipt of the letter. We look forward to working with the administration to address this important issue, and are committed to preventing antisemitic harassment and discrimination," wrote Cornell Media Relations in a statement to The Sun.
Patrick Dai ’24 was charged in October 2023 in connection to the antisemitic threats posted on the anonymous discussion forum Greekrank, including one that threatened a mass shooting at 104 West, the home of the Center for Jewish Living and the University’s kosher dining hall. A few weeks Patrick Dai ’24 was charged in October 2023 in connection to the antisemitic threats, the ED launched an investigation into antisemitism and Islamophobia targeting Cornell and six other universities for Title IX violations.
Patrick Dai ’24 pleaded guilty in April 2024 and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in August 2024.
Rep. Jason Smith (R-M.O.), chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, sent a series of letters to former President Martha Pollack in January 2024 regarding concerns about Cornell’s “approach to protecting Jewish students” amid pro-Palestinan demonstrations on campus. At the time, Smith specifically named the Coalition for Mutual Liberation as an organization that “appears designed to avoid discipline,” further citing a CML-led rally in front of Day Hall where protestors praised Yemeni Houthi rebels.
In April 2024, pro-Palestinan student activists staged an encampment on the Arts Quad alongside similar demonstrations at universities across the country. Some Jewish students expressed discomfort about the encampment, citing concerns about what they saw as an implicit endorsement of antisemitic incidents and messages.
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, pro-Palestinan activists have continued to demonstrate, including shutting down a career fair with defense manufacturers Boeing and L3Harris on Sept. 18.
Benjamin Leynse is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a News Editor for the 143rd editorial board, and a former senior writer. He can be reached at bleynse@cornellsun.com.
