US sets up anti-Semitism and pro-Palestinian force in schools

The task force was created following an executive order by President Donald Trump, in which he warned that “permanent resident aliens who participate in pro-jihadist protests” would face deportation, a reference to pro-Palestinian protests at US universities.

Mr Trump also pledged to revoke student visas from “Hamas supporters”, but pro-Palestinian protest groups have rejected the accusation.

The Justice Department task force will coordinate efforts through the civil rights division. The Council on American-Islamic Relations said it will monitor the task force's actions before deciding on potential legal challenges.

The US Department of Education also announced that it is investigating five universities for alleged anti-Semitic harassment, including Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California (Berkeley) and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Under former President Joe Biden, the department settled anti-Semitism and Islamophobia lawsuits with several universities through settlement agreements, although those agreements were criticized by the Trump administration as invalid.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, warned that the task force's use of government power to suppress university students advocating for Palestinian rights could face a major legal challenge from the US Constitution.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has led to pro-Palestinian protests at US universities. The presidents of three Ivy League universities have resigned after being criticised for their handling of the protests. Human rights groups have also noted a rise in hatred against Jews, Muslims and Arabs in the US.

Universities are also facing lawsuits related to the protests. On February 3, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the University of Michigan, while several students sued Columbia University over bans and suspensions related to pro-Palestinian protests.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, Fox News)