The federal Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened a Title VI investigation into Sarah Lawrence College, responding to a formal complaint filed by Hillels of Westchester. The private liberal arts college in Westchester, New York, stands accused of fostering a hostile environment for Jewish students, particularly following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The investigation, confirmed in a December 23, 2024 letter from OCR, will examine whether the college failed to adequately address harassment targeting Jewish students, violating federal protections against discrimination based on national origin. This marks a significant escalation in addressing campus antisemitism, especially as incidents tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict have surged in the past year.
Key Allegations: Harassment and Neglect
Hillels of Westchester, a regional organization supporting Jewish students, filed the complaint in March 2024, detailing troubling incidents at Sarah Lawrence in the weeks following the Hamas attacks. Among the claims:
- A Jewish student received violent and threatening text messages.
- The college’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office promoted an “Hour of Solidarity with Palestine” while failing to mention or acknowledge Jewish students.
- The school granted its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter a “group excellence award,” despite the organization having honored a Palestinian “martyr” who murdered worshippers at a Jerusalem synagogue.
The environment for Jewish students has reportedly deteriorated further since the complaint was filed. In November 2024, activists staged a days-long takeover of a campus building, demanding the college divest from Israel. Protesters included members of the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace.
Leadership and Accountability
Hillels of Westchester has long been vocal about what it describes as a toxic atmosphere for Jewish students at Sarah Lawrence. In November 2023, the group sent a letter to the college president asserting that Jewish students were “harassed, intimidated, bullied, and ‘canceled’” for expressing their identities or discussing their connections to Israel.
Rachel Klein, executive director of Hillels of Westchester, expressed cautious optimism about the federal investigation. “We hope this investigation initiates a meaningful culture shift at Sarah Lawrence to improve the campus environment,” Klein said in a statement, adding that the college has yet to actively engage with Hillel to address antisemitism.
The college, in response, stated it is reviewing the OCR’s request for information and reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus. However, a representative described Hillels of Westchester as “an outside organization not affiliated with the college.”
Broader Context: Title VI Cases on the Rise
This case is part of a broader wave of Title VI investigations into antisemitism and campus climate issues since October 2023. The OCR has recently resolved several high-profile cases, including one at Johns Hopkins University, where the school failed to adequately address threats against both Jewish and pro-Palestinian students. Resolutions at various University of California campuses and Rutgers University have similarly highlighted gaps in addressing antisemitic incidents.
At Sarah Lawrence, the stakes are high. Approximately 20% of the college’s student body identifies as Jewish, according to Hillel International. High-profile students like Sammy Tweedy, son of musician Jeff Tweedy, have publicly criticized the campus environment, describing it as increasingly hostile since the Hamas attacks.
Looking Ahead: Federal Action Amid Political Shifts
With the Biden administration nearing its end and President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, the federal approach to campus antisemitism is poised to shift dramatically. Trump has pledged to shutter the Department of Education, proposing alternative measures to address campus discrimination.
For now, the OCR’s investigation into Sarah Lawrence represents a critical effort to address mounting concerns about antisemitism on campuses. “The environment for Jewish students at Sarah Lawrence has been among the worst we’ve seen,” said Adam Lehman, president of Hillel International. Lehman emphasized the need for stronger action, accusing the college of failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students, faculty, and staff.
As federal investigations continue to expand, the outcomes at Sarah Lawrence and other campuses will shape the broader conversation about combating antisemitism in higher education. Whether this investigation leads to meaningful change remains to be seen, but it has already shone a spotlight on the challenges facing Jewish students in today’s polarized campus climate.