Following President Trump's executive order targeting antisemitism on college campuses, universities nationwide are grappling with its implications. The order, which mandates a crackdown on antisemitism, including the deportation of pro-Hamas activists holding student visas, has prompted investigations and discussions about how schools will address these issues.

The White House emphasizes that the executive order aims to protect Jewish citizens' civil rights, prosecute antisemitic offenses, and expel Hamas sympathizers. The order explicitly warns resident aliens involved in pro-jihadist demonstrations of impending deportation and threatens to revoke the student visas of Hamas supporters on college campuses.

The Department of Education is investigating institutions receiving federal funding to ensure compliance with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. While disciplinary action against students for harassing conduct is possible, the primary focus of the investigation is on the institutions themselves.

A student protester waves a large Palestinian flag at their encampment on the Columbia University campus on Monday, April 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Federal agencies have been given 60 days to identify legal measures to combat antisemitism and take action against individuals involved in unlawful activities stemming from the surge in antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attack. The executive order underscores the government's commitment to utilizing all available legal tools to address antisemitic harassment and violence.

This executive order expands upon a previous directive from the Trump administration, which was subsequently rescinded by the Biden administration. It highlights the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses, including discrimination, restricted access to facilities, intimidation, harassment, and physical threats against Jewish students.

A student walks in the anti-Israel encampment on the Main Quad at the University of Chicago.  (AP/Nam Y. Huh)

The Education Department has initiated investigations into several universities, including Columbia, Northwestern, Portland State University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, for potential antisemitism. The acting assistant secretary for civil rights emphasized the administration's zero-tolerance policy for institutional indifference to the safety and well-being of Jewish students.

Universities, including UC Berkeley, Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University issued statements to students and Fox News Digital condemning antisemitism. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Several universities have issued statements condemning antisemitism and outlined their efforts to address such issues. UC Berkeley, for instance, highlighted its initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Jewish Student Life and Campus Climate and the Antisemitism Education Initiative. Other institutions, like the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University, have emphasized their commitment to investigating claims of antisemitism and taking appropriate disciplinary actions. Rutgers University also acknowledged its efforts to understand the impact of the recent executive orders on its community.