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Whistleblower alleges political pressure, lack of evidence in antisemitism probes targeting schools
The complaint says investigators sought settlements and funding freezes before cases were complete, and Brown, Harvard and Columbia faced $2.6 billion in cuts.
- On Tuesday, former Justice Department lawyer Haley Van Erem filed a whistleblower disclosure alleging a Trump administration task force pressured Ivy League universities into settlements despite rushed, predetermined investigations lacking legal support.
- Launched by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi in February 2025, the multi-agency task force allegedly employed "extraordinary funding freezes and sweeping proposed settlement terms" as part of a "politically mandated effort" to extract concessions.
- Investigators found no Title VI violations at Brown University, yet officials pushed for settlement anyway; Columbia University agreed to pay $200 million to restore funding, while Brown paid $50 million to Rhode Island organizations.
- Rep. Jamie Raskin of the House Judiciary Committee labeled the probe a "pre-baked frame-up operation" in a letter to Harmeet Dhillon, while a federal judge ordered the administration last year to reverse $2.6 billion in funding cuts.
- Van Erem resigned in May 2025, stating she was "unwilling to be made vulnerable to further participation in politically motivated investigations unsupported by facts and contrary to law," signaling internal dissent over task force practices.
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Associated Press News+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
Whistleblower alleges political pressure, lack of evidence in antisemitism probes targeting schools
A whistleblower is alleging that a Trump administration task force created to combat antisemitism pushed for settlements with Ivy League universities.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 47%
C 53%
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