The Biden administration is launching new initiatives to combat the rising incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses across the country. In response to the Israel-Hamas war, the White House is providing resources from the Education Department to students, parents, and staff to prevent bigotry and discrimination at all levels of education. Two guides, tailored for young students and higher education institutions, have been created by the National Center for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments. These tools complement the national strategy to combat Islamophobia, which involves collaboration between the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to address growing threats on college campuses in conjunction with campus law enforcement.

Recent incidents have highlighted the urgency of these actions. Two student groups critical of Israel were suspended by Columbia University for violating school policy with threatening rhetoric and intimidation. Cornell University had to cancel classes due to violent antisemitic threats and arrest of a student. The FBI is investigating death threats against a Palestinian staff member of American University in Washington, D.C. The Department of Education is conducting investigations into six colleges and one school district over allegations of antisemitic or anti-Muslim discrimination during the Israel-Hamas war.

The DOE will offer recommendations to these institutions, which could lose federal funding if they fail to comply. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized that hate has no place in schools and highlighted the significance of safe and inclusive educational environments for all students. The listening sessions organized by the Education Department aim to gather insights from educators and students from various backgrounds. This comprehensive approach reflects the Biden administration's commitment to addressing discrimination and fostering a more tolerant and inclusive education system.