News Summary
The US Justice Department has opened an investigation into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus. This action follows a lawsuit from a Jewish student claiming discrimination and harassment linked to his identity. UNLV officials have pledged full cooperation with the inquiry, emphasizing their commitment to combatting both antisemitism and Islamophobia. This probe could have significant implications for how universities handle such claims nationwide, particularly in light of recent pro-Palestinian protests.
Las Vegas, NV – The US Justice Department (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) concerning allegations of antisemitism on campus. This scrutiny arises in the context of recent federal investigations into colleges nationwide following protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly those linked to Hamas.
The DOJ’s inquiry specifically aims to evaluate UNLV’s response to accusations of antisemitism and discern whether the institution has engaged in discriminatory practices as a federal aid recipient. This is part of a broader federal focus that emerged during the Trump administration, which had threatened to withdraw federal funds from universities over pro-Palestinian protests. During that period, the administration contended that several universities allowed antisemitic behavior to proliferate, though there were no equivalent inquiries into claims of Islamophobia.
The investigation comes in light of complaints that have surfaced since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The DOJ’s civil rights division has formally requested documentation from UNLV by November 1 regarding its handling of discrimination complaints on campus. UNLV officials have announced their commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation, expressing confidence that the findings will reflect compliance with relevant laws regarding discrimination.
One of the pivotal claims prompting this investigation is a lawsuit filed by a Jewish student at UNLV, Corey Gerwaski. In his suit, Gerwaski claims that he faced persistent antisemitism and discrimination while attending the university. He alleges that during an onboarding session for a job at the Lied Library, he encountered inappropriate questions related to his Jewish identity and subsequently faced harassment that he links to antisemitism from supervisors, resulting in his job termination.
Gerwaski further asserts that his tenure as chair of the Scholarships and Grants Committee was marred by verbal attacks from pro-Palestinian students, which he attributes to protests surrounding the recent conflict in Gaza. His lawsuit contends that UNLV failed to adequately train staff to handle antisemitism, which has allegedly led to continuous violations of his constitutional rights. He is seeking over $75,000 in damages and aims to prohibit the student organization known as Students for Justice in Palestine from operating on the UNLV campus.
In light of these allegations, UNLV officials have reiterated their stance against both antisemitism and Islamophobia, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining a campus environment that honors the principles of free speech and advocacy. They have acknowledged the impact of recent protests on campus dynamics while affirming that any grievances should be addressed through appropriate channels.
The outcome of the DOJ’s investigation into UNLV could set a significant precedent for how universities across the nation manage allegations of antisemitism and related discriminatory practices, particularly in the context of politically charged conflicts. As the investigation proceeds, both the university and the involved parties await to see how this scrutiny will influence the campus landscape and the broader conversation on discrimination and free speech in higher education.
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Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent
- Wikipedia: Antisemitism
- The Times of Israel
- Google Search: University of Nevada Las Vegas antisemitism
- News 3 LV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American University
- Reuters
- Google News: DOJ investigation into UNLV
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
