Former DOJ lawyer alleges Trump university antisemitism probes lacked evidence
The complaint said Van Erem and others suggested to also open probes into allegations of anti-Muslim bias on university campuses but those proposals "were not pursued by leadership."
Former US Department of Justice attorney Haley Van Erem has alleged that the Trump administration's investigations into US universities over accusations of antisemitism were lacking in evidence and had predetermined outcomes. In a complaint to the House Judiciary Committee, Van Erem and others claimed the probes were marked by procedural irregularities, lacked factual or legal support, and disregarded specific legal requirements and free speech rights.
The complaint also alleged that the administration targeted universities with probes and threats of federal funding suspension over pro-Palestinian protests, claiming the protesters were antisemitic and supported extremism. However, some Jewish groups argue that opposing Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and its war in Gaza is not antisemitic.
The DOJ spokesperson stated that the department stood behind the integrity of these investigations, while senior DOJ and Department of Health and Human Services officials were accused of departing from longstanding investigative practices. The complaint also highlighted concerns over due process, free speech, and academic freedom, with rights advocates raising doubts about the evidence of antisemitism and the motives behind the government's actions.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
