Recent mishandling of discrimination complaints by the University of Michigan and the City University of New York, alongside police action clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment at California State University, Los Angeles, highlight the challenges universities face in managing campus tensions and anti-discrimination measures.
University Mishandling of Anti-Discrimination Complaints
The U.S. Department of Education announced on June 17, 2024, that the University of Michigan and the City University of New York (CUNY) mishandled discrimination complaints during recent campus protests over the war in Gaza. These findings resulted from investigations by the department’s Office for Civil Rights.
The protests, which included calls for divestment from Israel, led to accusations of antisemitism and anti-Arab discrimination. The Education Department highlighted several incidents where the universities failed to address hostile environments for students.
At the University of Michigan, a student was reportedly shouted down and accused of supporting terrorism during a pro-Palestinian rally in November. CUNY’s agreement covered nine complaints since 2019, including instances of disrupted online classes and preferential treatment for certain groups post-October 7.
Both universities are now required to improve their reporting processes and employee training on federal anti-discrimination obligations. They must also conduct a “climate assessment” survey by December 2025 to address and measure the extent of reported discrimination and harassment.
Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment at Cal State LA
On June 17, 2024, police cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at California State University, Los Angeles. The encampment, established 40 days earlier, followed the occupation and vandalism of a campus building last week. No force or arrests were reported, and classes remained virtual temporarily.
Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes stated that the encampment needed to disband for community safety, emphasizing non-negotiation with destructive behaviors.
Together, these incidents underscore ongoing campus tensions related to international conflicts and the challenges universities face in maintaining a balanced environment.
