February 4, 2025 Update

Official CAAN Statement about Federal Investigation Into Northwestern’s Antisemitism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAAN Commends Federal Investigation Into Northwestern’s Antisemitism; Calls for Immediate Action

 (Evanston, IL) – The U.S. Department of Education has launched a critical investigation into Northwestern University’s repeated violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, holding the institution accountable for fostering antisemitic harassment, discrimination, and intimidation on campus.

Jewish students, faculty, and staff face ongoing harassment, including pro-Hamas and anti-Israel displays that create a hostile and unsafe environment across Northwestern’s campus and medical facilities.

A damning U.S. House report revealed that Northwestern’s leadership negotiated with and appeased anti-Zionist and antisemitic protestors behind illegal encampments, further enabling hostility toward Jewish students.

Northwestern’s leadership has also emboldened antisemitic actors on campus, failing to take adequate action against individuals who engage in violent, antisemitic behavior. The University recently dropped charges against journalism Professor Steven Thrasher, despite his documented involvement in antisemitic activities on campus. Thrasher’s record includes a physical altercation with police officers, incitement of violence, and antisemitic rhetoric.

In addition, recent updates to Northwestern’s required anti-discrimination training fail to protect Jewish students. While the training now includes discussions on specific anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian biases, it omits anti-Zionism and anti-Israel bias, both of which are recognized as modern forms of antisemitism under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

We welcome the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation as a necessary step toward creating a safer, more inclusive campus for all. CAAN demands that Northwestern take immediate corrective action, including adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, enforcing disciplinary measures against antisemitic actors, and ensuring full protection for Jewish students under university policies.

Failure of inaction may lead to Northwestern risking federal funding cuts and increased congressional oversight to ensure Jewish students are protected.

For media inquiries, contact Wendy Khabie, wendy@khabiecommunications.com or CAAN at info@yeswecaan.org.  For more information visit www.yeswecaan.org.

About CAAN
The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) is a dedicated alliance of thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders, including Northwestern students, parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, interfaith partners, government officials, and legal experts. Together we work tirelessly to combat antisemitism, hate and prejudice, championing education and advocacy to promote a safer, more inclusive community.