Education Department probes antisemitism at California universities

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights opened Title VI investigations into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University on August 6, 2026, over allegations that they failed to address antisemitic harassment and fostered hostile environments for Jewish students. The investigations stem from student complaints describing intimidation, exclusion, and fear, with alleged incidents including antisemitic graffiti, physical attacks, and faculty-created hostile environments. The department also cited an email from an SJSU administrator allegedly distinguishing between 'good Jews' and 'bad Jews,' which the university disputes. Both universities, part of the California State University system, denied the allegations and said they take antisemitism seriously. The probes are part of a broader Trump administration campaign against colleges over antisemitism following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, with over 60 Title VI investigations opened nationwide. The investigations follow a prior Title IX finding against SJSU over transgender athlete participation and a related lawsuit by the university.