UC San Diego Warned Of Need To Protect Jewish Students

SAN DIEGO, CA — UC San Diego was among 60 colleges warned Monday by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights of potential enforcement actions if they do not protect Jewish students on campus.

The letters informed the colleges of their need to fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act which prohibits any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, and national origin, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities, the department announced Monday.

National origin includes shared Jewish ancestry.

"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 Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

"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 antidiscrimination laws."

There was no immediate response to an email sent after the close of customary business hours to UC San Diego seeking comment.

— City News Service