News Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, focusing on the university’s handling of claims linked to antisemitism amid protests related to Israel’s military actions. Following the Hamas attack on Israel, allegations of antisemitism have surfaced on campus. UNLV is cooperating with the DOJ, which is examining discrimination complaints and the institution’s policies on free speech and protests. This inquiry highlights federal scrutiny over how universities manage tensions involving free speech and discrimination in light of recent events.
Las Vegas, NV – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) regarding the handling of claims of antisemitism on campus. This inquiry is part of a broader federal examination of how universities are responding to protests connected to Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza.
The DOJ’s investigation particularly centers on allegations of antisemitism that emerged following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In light of these allegations, UNLV is cooperating fully with the inquiry and maintains that it adheres to all applicable federal and state laws.
As part of the investigation, the DOJ’s civil rights division has requested comprehensive documentation from UNLV by November 1. This includes records concerning the university’s responses to discrimination complaints that involve race, religion, and national origin. Additionally, the agency seeks campus-wide communications that pertain to discrimination, policies governing free speech, and the university’s practices in managing protests related to the aftermath of the October incident.
Furthermore, the inquiry will also assess reports of discrimination based on religion or national origin at UNLV since the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. The DOJ aims to evaluate the existing systems for addressing such allegations and identify which offices are responsible for upholding free speech, managing protests, and ensuring security.
The DOJ’s request extends to the UNLV Task Force on Jewish Identity and Inclusion, specifically regarding antisemitism incidents and demonstrations that have occurred since the attack on Israel. The investigation unfolds against a backdrop in which the Trump administration had previously threatened to withdraw federal funding from universities that allowed antisemitic displays during pro-Palestinian protests. While the government asserts that many institutions have permitted such representations, critics argue that criticism of Israel or advocacy for Palestinian rights should not be conflated with antisemitism.
The context surrounding this investigation has been further impacted by a recent ruling from a U.S. judge, who deemed the Trump administration’s policy of revoking visas and deporting non-citizen students due to pro-Palestinian advocacy as unconstitutional. This ruling complicates the previous position taken by the former administration regarding campus protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
UNLV President Keith Whitfield has expressed the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue and listening to diverse perspectives amidst this inquiry. The university emphasizes a policy of cooperation in addressing the DOJ’s findings and promoting the integrity of its academic environment.
The DOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all students in higher education institutions. This investigation at UNLV marks an important step in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to scrutinize how universities navigate the complex intersections of free speech, discrimination, and student protests, particularly in light of recent escalations in tensions related to the Middle East.
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Additional Resources
- Times of Israel
- Reuters
- Las Vegas Sun
- Wikipedia: Antisemitism
- Google Search: University of Nevada Las Vegas antisemitism

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