University of Washington Faces Federal Review Over Anti-Semitic Violence on Campus

SEATTLE — The U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration announced a review Tuesday of anti-Semitic violence at the University of Washington following incidents of harassment and property destruction on its Seattle campus.

The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, formed under President Donald Trump's executive order, commended the university's condemnation of Monday's violence and the swift response by law enforcement to remove protesters. However, the task force urged stronger measures to ensure Jewish students' safety.

"The violence and chaos that ensued on University of Washington's campus is yet another horrifying display of the antisemitic harassment and lawlessness which has characterized many of our nation's elite campuses over the last several years. This destructive behavior is unacceptable," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "The Task Force will not allow these so-called 'protesters' to disrupt campus life and deprive students, especially Jewish students who live in fear on campus, of their equal opportunity protections and civil rights."

Monday's unrest involved pro-Palestinian protesters demanding the university divest from Boeing due to its military contracts linked to the Gaza conflict. The protesters barricaded an engineering building, set fires, and shouted death threats at law enforcement, according to the task force.

"No institution that tolerates violence, harassment, or the open intimidation of Jewish students should expect to receive billions in taxpayer support," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "This isn't about politics—it's about whether a federally funded university is upholding the law, protecting civil rights, and fostering a safe environment for all students."

The review follows similar actions at Columbia and Harvard universities, signaling a broader federal crackdown on campus anti-Semitism. The task force emphasized that institutions receiving federal funds must comply with civil rights laws.

"The despicable events that occurred at the University of Washington are another disturbing example of how institutions are failing to protect their communities from radical and dangerous harassment," said GSA Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. "The Task Force has a clear mandate — to ensure institutions that receive federal funds are fully complying with civil rights laws — we will use every tool available to fulfill that mandate."

The University of Washington has not yet responded publicly to the federal review. The task force expects the university to implement policy changes to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.

The review underscores growing concerns about anti-Semitic activity on U.S. campuses, with federal agencies signaling zero tolerance for harassment and violence targeting Jewish students.