Politics & Government
Israel-Palestine: Feds Probe Alleged Discrimination At Rutgers Newark
Federal officials have launched an investigation at Rutgers-Newark as a fierce debate continues over the Israel-Hamas war.
NEWARK, NJ — Federal officials have launched a discrimination-related probe at Rutgers University in Newark as tensions continue to rise over the Israel-Hamas war.
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) opened an investigation into allegations of “discrimination involving shared ancestry” at the university’s Newark campus on Monday. The purpose of the probe hasn’t been made clear yet.
There are 77 schools across the nation on the DOE’s list of open cases as of Wednesday, with the oldest case launched in 2016. The probes are being done under the authority of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
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There have been 11 open investigations added to the DOE database since Dec. 5, when administrators from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and MIT made controversial statements about antisemitism on campus.
The academic leaders said that calling for the “genocide” of Jews may or may not violate their school’s code of conduct, depending on the context. The academic leaders cited a need for free speech on campus – even to views that are “objectionable, offensive or hateful.”
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The DOE warned about its renewed focus on schools and colleges in November amid an “alarming nationwide rise” in reports of both antisemitism and anti-Muslim harassment.
When contacted about the investigation, a Rutgers spokesperson told Patch that the university is aware of the probe, which involves incidents that allegedly took place in October and November of 2023.
“The notice provides no further details, but we will certainly fully cooperate,” they added.
“Rutgers stands against antisemitism and against hate in all its pernicious forms,” the statement continued. “The university strives to be a safe and supportive environment for all our students, faculty, and staff. We reject absolutely intolerance based on religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability or political views.”
ISRAEL-PALESTINE: RUTGERS, NEWARK AND BEYOND
Rutgers University has an estimated 7,000 Muslim and Arab students across its campuses in Newark, New Brunswick and Camden.
The university’s three campuses have been a hotbed of debate over the war.
After the Oct. 7 attack in Israel, Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway released a public letter to the Rutgers community, entitled "Responding to the Violence in Israel and Gaza." In the days immediately following Hamas' attacks, he also attended a student vigil organized by a wide range of Rutgers student Jewish groups.
Holloway eventually issued a second statement about the war, writing that Rutgers’ support of the Jewish community doesn’t diminish his concern for students and staff with loved ones in Gaza.
It wasn’t enough for nearly 200 Rutgers professors, who published an open letter to Holloway, accusing him of making “one-sided statements that only mentioned Israeli victims in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.”
“Like you, we mourn the loss of all human lives, and we welcome efforts to invite empathy and denounce violence against all civilians,” the educators wrote. “However, your deeply one-sided message was a gut punch to the many Rutgers students who have family and friends in Gaza and Palestine. It also failed to acknowledge the ongoing hate and racism directed at our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students, who have never known a world where they are not vilified as terrorists for simply being brown, Muslim or Arab.”
In late October, some Rutgers community members were among a large crowd of pro-Palestine protesters who rallied at Newark City Hall to demand a ceasefire in the war and an end to U.S. military support for the Israel occupation of Gaza. Several people posted video footage of the protest, some of which can be seen here and here.
In November, Students for Justice in Palestine at Rutgers-Newark was among the groups who led a protest outside the office of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker. A large contingent of activists stormed the congressman’s office, occupying the building to demand an “immediate ceasefire” and bring attention to the soaring death toll in the Gaza Strip.
Some protesters criticized the state of New Jersey for investing in Israeli bonds and maintaining trade partnerships valued at $1.72 billion. Others unrolled a massive scroll that contained the names of Palestinians who have died since the war began.
Rutgers administrators have since suspended the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter from operating in New Brunswick over separate allegations, claiming that the group has caused multiple disruptions on campus and threatens the safety of other students.
On Wednesday, the Rutgers chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement in response to the university's decision, accusing Rutgers of restricting their right to freedom of speech and their right to peaceably assemble.
Meanwhile, pro-Israel supporters have been putting pressure on Rutgers administrators to combat what they say is a troubling rise in antisemitism on campus.
In November, two Rutgers alums reportedly announced they’re putting the brakes on their ongoing donations to the university – which have come to $130,000 over their lifetimes.
Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) sent a letter to Rutgers administrators, asking them to nix a lecture that featured two speakers who have criticized Israel’s role in the war. Rutgers administrators declined to cancel the event, citing academic freedom as the reason.
Gottheimer also accused Rutgers of allowing pro-Palestine protesters to “create a culture of fear on campus.” He criticized a demonstration that was held outside of a Chabad House, and pointed to allegations against a Rutgers student, who is accused of posting violent threats against an Israeli peer.
“The first amendment does not give students the right to bully, intimidate and instill fear onto other students,” he wrote.
Conversely, some New Jersey residents have accused Israel supporters of bullying students who are involved in pro-Palestine demonstrations.
After a pro-Palestine walkout was organized at West Orange High School – and later postponed due to an outcry from some members of the local Jewish community – a crowd of parents flooded a school board meeting to decry what they called a “doxing attempt” against the involved students.
Casualties and suffering have been heavy for Israelis and Palestinians alike as war rages in the Middle East. Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care
More than 1,200 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 250 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages – where many of them still remain.
Meanwhile, the latest death toll from Palestinian authorities stands at more than 17,000 people who have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes and ground invasion –including thousands of children and civilians. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates and several humanitarian organizations.
Protests and vigils continue to be held by pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters across New Jersey, where opinions about the war remain starkly divided.
- See Related: West Orange To Verona: Students Hold Pro-Palestine Walkout
- See Related: Thousands Demonstrate In NJ Town In Response To Hamas Attacks
- See Related: NJ Green Party Candidates Blast Menendez's Comments On Israel-Palestine
- See Related: Israel-Hamas: Vigil In Montclair Demands Release Of Hostages
- See Related: Military Aid For Israel; NJ House Members Divided On GOP Proposal
Others have called for a ceasefire between the two sides and a renewed focus on the human cost of the war, pointing to a tragic civilian death toll that continues to rise.
- See Related: Senate Candidate From NJ Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Gaza War
- See Related: Show Compassion For Israeli And Palestinian Families, NJ School Official Says
This article contains reporting by Carly Baldwin, Patch staff
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