The Department of Justice has launched a new initiative targeting universities that allow antisemitism and promote DEI policies, threatening to cut federal funding through False Claims Act enforcement.
At a Glance
- DOJ’s “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative” will investigate federally funded institutions over antisemitism and DEI policies
- The False Claims Act could be used to levy fines and potentially cut federal funding to non-compliant universities
- Harvard University has already been notified of an investigation into its admissions process
- The initiative follows President Trump’s Executive Orders to combat campus antisemitism
- Critics argue this approach diverts resources from traditional civil rights enforcement
Federal Crackdown on University Policies
The Department of Justice has established a “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative” targeting federally funded universities that permit antisemitism and implement controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. The joint effort between the DOJ’s Civil Fraud Section and Civil Rights Division aims to enforce federal civil rights laws by investigating institutions that may be violating their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Each division will assign dedicated attorneys to pursue these investigations, with additional support from the nation’s 93 U.S. attorneys’ offices.
“Institutions that take federal money only to allow antisemitism and promote divisive DEI policies are putting their access to federal funds at risk. This Department of Justice will not tolerate these violations of civil rights — inaction is not an option,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The initiative represents a significant shift in federal enforcement priorities. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that institutions allowing antisemitism while receiving federal funding could face serious consequences. The Department of Education has already identified 60 institutions currently under investigation for antisemitic discrimination and harassment, signaling the scale of the issue being addressed.
The False Claims Act as Enforcement Tool
The initiative’s primary enforcement mechanism will be the False Claims Act, a powerful legal tool that holds individuals and entities liable for defrauding the government. Historically, this act has been used against universities for various forms of misconduct, including financial aid violations. Under the new initiative, universities found to be promoting antisemitism or implementing discriminatory DEI policies could face substantial fines, damages, and potentially lose access to federal funding entirely.
“America has watched a tidal wave of anti-Semitism sweep our universities and seen public institutions codify inherently divisive policies like DEI at an unprecedented rate. The days of using federal funds to further discrimination are over,” said Blanche.
Harvard University has already received notification of an investigation into its admissions processes for potential fraud related to a Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. This suggests the initiative will not only target overt antisemitism but also examine whether universities are complying with recent legal precedents regarding race-conscious admission policies. The department has indicated it will seek financial penalties for violations and hasn’t ruled out criminal prosecutions in extreme cases.
Controversy and Resistance
The initiative has drawn criticism from some former DOJ officials who question the redirection of resources away from traditional civil rights enforcement. Peter Hyun, a former DOJ official, expressed concern that this new focus would “stretch an already decimated workforce” within the department. Legal challenges to the initiative are expected as universities prepare to defend their policies and practices against potential False Claims Act investigations.
Universities across the country are now bracing for increased scrutiny under the False Claims Act. The rapid policy changes under the Trump administration have legal departments at major institutions reviewing their compliance with federal laws and regulations. With the Education Department simultaneously reviewing admissions policies for potential racial discrimination, universities face pressure from multiple federal agencies to align with the administration’s stance on DEI and antisemitism.
This initiative follows Executive Orders by President Trump to remove discriminatory programs and combat antisemitism on college campuses. The collaboration between multiple federal agencies signals a coordinated approach to addressing what the administration views as discriminatory practices in higher education, with potentially far-reaching consequences for how universities implement diversity and inclusion efforts.
