From The New Yorker · Eyal Press · · 3m
Whistleblower Exposes Trump’s Campus Antisemitism Crackdown
Former DOJ lawyer Haley Van Erem reveals Trump administration’s politically motivated campus antisemitism investigations.
In brief
Former DOJ lawyer Haley Van Erem reveals Trump administration’s politically motivated campus antisemitism investigations. Haley Van Erem, a former DOJ lawyer, says Trump’s administration used antisemitism claims to punish universities without evidence, violating Title VI and the First Amendment. Originally reported by…
Haley Van Erem’s DOJ Role
Haley Van Erem, a DOJ lawyer who entered through an honors program in 2015, worked on disability rights cases before being reassigned to the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
Joint Task Force Launch
The Trump administration created the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism in January 2025 to address campus antisemitism, targeting federal funding for universities.
Brown University Investigation
Brown University faced a Title VI investigation for alleged antisemitism at graduation ceremonies, including accusations of genocide chants and pro-Palestine symbols.
Investigation Basis
The investigation relied on a January 27, 2025, New York Post article claiming students at top medical schools engaged in antisemitic conduct during 2024 graduations.
Investigation Outcome
The investigation found no Title VI violations at Brown, but the university agreed to pay $50 million for Rhode Island workforce programs and adopt government definitions of gender and race neutrality.
Funding Freeze
The Trump administration blocked $500 million in federal funding to Brown, claiming antisemitism violations despite minimal evidence.
Internal Concerns
Van Erem and five other DOJ lawyers wrote to HHS that the funding freeze lacked Title VI evidence, but were told it was unrelated to the investigation.
HHS Meeting
At an HHS meeting, Van Erem’s note-taking was criticized, with the acting general counsel telling her to stop recording concerns.
Brown’s Response
Brown University quickly addressed threats to Jewish students, including police involvement and security upgrades after a violent email incident.
Columbia Settlement
Columbia University agreed to restrict student protests and adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition in its settlement with the government.
First Amendment Concerns
Van Erem argued the investigations ignored First Amendment protections for political speech about Israel and Gaza.
Survey Findings
A 2024 University of Chicago survey found 56% of Jewish students feared safety since October 7, 2023, but most did not hold traditional antisemitic stereotypes.
Trump’s Support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s administration for addressing campus antisemitism, while American Jews opposed funding freezes.
Whistleblower Disclosure
Van Erem filed a whistleblower disclosure with the DOJ and HHS, claiming the investigations were politically motivated and lacked legal support.
Dhillon’s Resignation
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon resigned after Republicans lost midterm elections, leaving the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division weakened.
Consequence
The whistleblower disclosures may embolden universities to challenge government demands while preserving academic freedom and funding.
The essence
Haley Van Erem, a former DOJ lawyer, says Trump’s administration used antisemitism claims to punish universities without evidence, violating Title VI and the First Amendment.
