Case
Equal Protection Project v. Northwestern University (Post-Encampment Program Providing Benefits Only to Palestinian Students Challenged)
Case Particulars
Tribunal
Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
Date Filed
May 1, 2024
Docket No.
N/A
Case Status
OCR Complaint Filed
Case Overview
On April 29, 2024, Northwestern University struck a deal to have the pro-Hamas unauthorized encampment removed, with a twist not seen at other universities. Northwestern agreed to establish preferences for “Palestinian” students in accessing a new scholarship program and “MENA/Muslim” [MENA = Middle East North Africa] students in housing. These ethnic, national origin, and shared ancestry preferences violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
On May 1, the Equal Protection Project (EqualProtect.org) filed a Civil Rights Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education. OCR has jurisdiction because Northwestern receives federal funding.
EPP is the Complainant and the case is under evaluation by OCR.
Case Documents
Media Coverage
- Northwestern University deal with anti-Israel protesters tantamount to ‘paying off hostage takers’, Louis Casiano, Fox News (May 10, 2024)
- Northwestern Hit with Lawsuit, Civil-Rights Complaints over Concessions to Encampment Organizers, Zach Kessel, National Review (May 4, 2024)
- Northwestern U. Encampment Deal Establishing Preferences for “Palestinian” and “MENA/Muslim” Students Challenged By Equal Protection Project, William A. Jacobson, Legal Insurrection (May 2, 2024)
- Northwestern University hit with federal complaint after caving to anti-Israel mob’s demands, Greg Wehner, Fox News (May 2, 2024)
- Northwestern facing lawsuits, calls for president to resign after reaching agreement with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, Erik Runge & Jewell Hillery, WGNTV.com (May 2, 2024)
- Northwestern University hit with civil rights complaint over Palestinian scholarship agreement, Misty Severi, Just the News (May 2, 2024)