Trump to universities: Stamp out antisemitism or lose accreditation

Trump added that any colleges that permit antisemitic violence will be seen as violating the Civil Rights Law.

 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gestures as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024.  (photo credit: REUTERS/BRIAN SNYDER)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gestures as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024.
(photo credit: REUTERS/BRIAN SNYDER)

All American universities must end campus antisemitism or they will lose accreditation, President-elect Donald Trump promised during a rally against antisemitism in Washington.

To “defeat antisemitism and defend Jewish citizens in America,” Trump said he would inform every college president that if they do not “end antisemitic propaganda,” they would lose accreditation and federal support.

“We will not subsidize the creation of terrorist sympathizers, and we’re not going to do it – certainly on American soil,” he said.

Trump added that once in the Oval Office, he would inform all educational institutions that if they permit violence or harassment against Jewish students, they will be “held accountable for violations of the civil rights law.”

 STUDENTS MARCH and rally at the Columbia University campus in New York City last month in support of a protest encampment supporting Palestinians, despite a deadline issued by university officials to either disband or face suspension. (credit: CAITLIN OCHS/REUTERS)
STUDENTS MARCH and rally at the Columbia University campus in New York City last month in support of a protest encampment supporting Palestinians, despite a deadline issued by university officials to either disband or face suspension. (credit: CAITLIN OCHS/REUTERS)

“It’s very important – Jewish Americans must have equal protection under the law, and they’re going to get it,” he said. “At the same time, my administration will move swiftly to restore safety for Jewish students and Jewish people on American streets.”

Trump's actions to combat antisemitism 

In his first term as US president, Trump issued an executive order on combating antisemitism by adding Jews to the list of protected minority groups under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

He has also offered Rep. Elise Stefanik, the Republican representing New York’s 21st district, the position of US ambassador to the UN. Stefanik has been one of the leading lawmakers against US campus antisemitism.