"Hands Off Our Schools" rally
Students Rally For The Department Of Education As Trump Administration Threatens Cuts WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks during the "Hands Off Our Schools" rally in front of the U.S. Department of Education on April 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Students from Georgetown University, Howard University, American University, George Washington University, George Mason University, and Temple University gathered to protest President Donald Trump dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday that George Washington University failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus, accusing the school of being "deliberately indifferent" to a hostile environment that targeted Jewish students and faculty.

In a letter to GWU President Ellen Granberg, the department detailed incidents dating back to protests in University Yard, including an encampment where students reported being harassed and intimidated. The department said those incidents created an environment that was "objectively offensive, severe and pervasive," and that university officials and campus police did not intervene appropriately.

The department has offered GWU the option to enter into a voluntary resolution agreement, but did not disclose specific terms. If the university does not cooperate or fails to implement required changes, it could lose federal funding.

"Every student has the right to equal educational opportunities without fear of harassment or abuse," Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement. "Universities that promulgate antisemitic discrimination will face legal consequences."

GWU spokesperson Shannon McClendon said the school is reviewing the department's letter. She said the university has acted in accordance with policy and law, including during the encampment.

"We do not tolerate behavior that threatens our community or undermines meaningful dialogue," McClendon said. She added that the school continues to work with members of the Jewish community, local organizations, and law enforcement to address threats and protect students.

GWU is one of 10 universities recently reviewed by a federal task force on campus antisemitism. The schools were flagged for alleged antisemitic incidents reported since October 2023.

The university has not yet indicated whether it will accept the Justice Department's proposed agreement.