President-elect Trump's choice of Harmeet K. Dhillon to head the Justice Department's civil rights division is being met with relief by Jewish students who have witnessed a surge in antisemitism at universities across the U.S. Trump praised Dhillon as a champion of civil rights, highlighting her legal battles defending free speech, religious freedom, and fighting against what he terms "woke" discrimination.
Dhillon's vocal criticism of Ivy League institutions for not adequately addressing antisemitism is a key reason for the students' optimism. She has consistently taken a firm stance against these incidents. For example, after Yale student Sahar Tarktak reported being hospitalized following an attack by an anti-Israel group, Dhillon publicly encouraged her and others to pursue legal action against both the university and the individuals involved. She advocated for holding universities financially accountable and disrupting the careers of those responsible for the attacks.
In another instance, Dhillon referred to anti-Israel protesters blocking campus access as "little terrorists" and argued that their actions constitute terrorizing Jewish students and disrupting education, asserting that such behavior is not protected under the First Amendment. Her law firm's website underscores its commitment to representing victims of campus antisemitism as part of its broader mission to protect civil rights and constitutional principles.
Now a junior at Yale, Tarktak expressed gratitude for Dhillon's nomination, emphasizing the ongoing antisemitic incidents Jewish students face. She believes Dhillon's appointment sends a strong message to universities and underscores Trump's commitment to addressing this issue. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard graduate suing the university for alleged systemic antisemitism, also lauded the nomination, suggesting that Harvard should be concerned about potential repercussions. He viewed Dhillon's selection as a sign that the incoming administration intends to hold institutions accountable for discrimination against Jewish students and the promotion of political indoctrination.
Kestenbaum highlighted Dhillon's active role in supporting Jewish students and encouraging them to hold their colleges responsible. He believes that with Dhillon in this position, universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Yale that haven't effectively dealt with campus antisemitism will face consequences. Harvard did not respond to a request for comment.
Trump's focus on higher education during his campaign, including pledges to address what he describes as "Marxist" influences and to promote patriotism on campuses, has put universities on alert. He has also criticized DEI initiatives, threatening financial penalties for institutions that continue programs he considers discriminatory. A New York student commented that Dhillon's appointment demonstrates Trump's commitment to his campaign promises. Dhillon herself has expressed concerns about the political leanings of students on social media, linking support for certain causes with what she sees as a susceptibility to radical ideologies.
