Federal Scrutiny Expands to Smaller Colleges in Wake of Ivy League Investigations
WASHINGTON, DC., May 14, 2025 - In a significant shift, U.S. federal investigations into alleged anti-Semitism and campus unrest are broadening beyond elite universities to smaller, less-resourced institutions. Following high-profile probes at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania that resulted in leadership changes, colleges such as Haverford, DePaul University, and Cal Poly–San Luis Obispo have now been summoned for federal oversight hearings.
Notably, three institutions in the Denver metro area—Metropolitan State University, University of Denver, and Community College of Denver—have been informed of a year-long review. The trigger: handling of Palestine-related encampments and allegations of administrative inaction on student complaints.
Legal experts warn this marks a turning point, as smaller colleges often lack the legal and financial infrastructure of their Ivy League counterparts. "This escalation could deter campus expression or force smaller institutions to adopt rigid compliance models that suppress open dialogue," said ACLU senior counsel Nora Benavidez.
College administrators nationwide are calling for sector-wide standards on campus speech and federal guidance on balancing civil rights enforcement with First Amendment protections. Some institutions are exploring legal alliances to share the financial burden of potential federal challenges.
As congressional hearings continue and the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights ramps up Title VI inquiries, colleges are bracing for a turbulent summer—with implications for fall policy setting and risk management.
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