Portland State being investigated by DOE for antisemitic discrimination, harassment

On Monday, Portland State University was among 60 universities under investigation for antisemitic discrimination and harassment by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.

The warning issued by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says schools like PSU could receive potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities.

“The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” said McMahon. “U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege, and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal anti-discrimination laws.”