Federal lawsuit details years of alleged discrimination as University repeatedly failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students
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Advocates for Faith & Freedom
Oct. 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Advocates for Faith & Freedom has filed a First Amended Complaint against The George Washington University, detailing a years-long pattern of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, and harassment against Jewish and Israeli students.
The complaint details how Jewish students were threatened, physically harassed, blocked from classrooms and campus facilities, intimidated into concealing their Jewish identity, and denied equal access to educational opportunities, even as students, parents, and advocates repeatedly alerted GWU administrators to the rampant antisemitism. Despite those warnings, the complaint alleges the hostility continued.
After conducting an investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division concluded that GWU was “deliberately indifferent to the complaints it received, the misconduct that occurred, and the harms that were suffered by its students and faculty, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
“This case is about equal protection,” said Joel Oster, Vice President and Chief of Trial Litigation of Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “A university cannot promise nondiscrimination and then look the other way while Jewish students are threatened, intimidated, and driven from classrooms and common areas because of their Jewish heritage. Civil rights laws exist precisely to ensure that students are not forced to endure that kind of treatment because of who they are.”
During the Spring 2024 encampment, protesters displayed or shouted messages including “final solution,” “Globalize the Intifada,” “Hamas are freedom fighters,” and “Zionist, go die.” Protesters broke through barricades, occupied University Yard, obstructed access to campus, and posted warnings including “No Zionists.”
The amended complaint further alleges that antisemitism extended beyond campus protests and into University-sponsored programming and classrooms, where pro-Israel and Zionist perspectives were marginalized or excluded. Plaintiffs allege that despite repeated complaints and federal scrutiny, discriminatory treatment continued.
“Jewish students should never have to hide their identity, avoid parts of campus, or remain silent in class because they fear for their safety,” said Erin Mersino, Vice President and Chief of Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation at Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “Universities have a legal obligation to apply their protections equally. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.”
The lawsuit asserts claims under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and breach of contract. Plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief requiring GWU to enforce its nondiscrimination and conduct policies evenhandedly, address antisemitism on campus, and implement meaningful accountability measures.
VIEW FULL CASE INFORMATION HERE
About Advocates for Faith & Freedom (www.faith-freedom.com):
Advocates for Faith & Freedom safeguards the constitutional liberties that define the United States as a beacon of freedom and prosperity, including religious freedom, free speech, election integrity, parental rights, and the rights of children, both born and unborn.
Christian Educators has proudly protected and supported educators since 1953, providing a Biblical alternative to politicized teachers unions, while equipping them to be thriving ambassadors for Christ in our public schools.
SOURCE Advocates for Faith & Freedom
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco, MEDIA@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM