Emory College and Columbia University are set to make history as the first universities to be federally investigated for anti-Muslim discrimination on campus. The Office of Civil Rights (ORC) at the US Department of Education has announced that it will be looking into claims of discrimination filed by students from Emory University and Columbia University under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
The investigation into Emory University was prompted by a detailed 18-page document compiled by students, Cair-GA, and Palestine Legal, outlining instances of on-campus harassment, doxing, and differential treatment faced by Muslim students and students supporting Palestine since October of last year. Despite filing 15 cases through the university system, the students felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed, with some even feeling too afraid to leave their college dorms.
Azka Mahmood, the executive director of Cair-GA, expressed disappointment in Emory University’s response to the complaints, stating that the university had essentially brushed aside the issues raised by the students. However, with the ORC confirming the opening of an investigation, Mahmood hopes that this will lead to corrective measures being taken by the university to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.
Meanwhile, Columbia University is also under investigation for anti-Palestinian racism following protests by students against the university’s investments in companies linked to Israel’s occupation of Palestine. The New York City Police Department’s arrest of hundreds of students in riot gear during the protests prompted the Department of Education to look into the allegations of discrimination.
Radhika Sainath, a senior staff attorney at Palestine Legal, emphasized the importance of universities ceasing any racist crackdowns against Palestinians and their supporters to avoid the risk of losing federal funding. The investigations at Emory and Columbia come at a time of heightened student protests across US campuses in solidarity with Gaza, with at least 90 Gaza solidarity encampments set up at universities in recent weeks.
The investigations at Emory and Columbia could have far-reaching implications for other universities in the US. Mahmood believes that Emory’s case could potentially lead to several investigations at other campuses, as more students come forward with claims of Islamophobic and anti-Muslim treatment. The ORC’s decision to investigate these claims sends a strong message that universities will be held accountable for any discriminatory practices on their campuses.
As the investigations unfold, students and advocacy groups are hopeful that this will lead to a more inclusive and respectful environment for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs. The outcome of these investigations could set a precedent for how universities address issues of discrimination and harassment on their campuses, ultimately shaping the future of higher education in the US.