U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to Hold Briefing on Antisemitism on College Campuses

Bipartisan investigation to examine federal and institutional response to rise in antisemitism on American college and university campuses.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public briefing on Thursday, February 19, 2026 as part of its investigation into "Antisemitism on America's College and University Campuses: Current Conditions and the Federal Response." The bipartisan investigation, led by Commissioners Peter Kirsanow (R) and Mondaire Jones (D), will examine how institutions of higher education and the federal government responded to allegations of antisemitism on U.S. college and university campuses in violation of federal civil rights protections.

Why it matters

The Commission's investigation comes amid a reported spike in antisemitic incidents on college campuses since October 2023. The briefing and subsequent report aim to understand the causes and prevalence of campus antisemitism, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the federal government's and universities' responses in protecting Jewish students' civil rights.

The details

The public briefing will feature four panels with subject matter experts, including current and former federal officials, impacted students and university officials, advocacy organizations, and legal and policy experts. Topics will include the intersection of antisemitism, free speech, and civil rights law in higher education, the implementation of Title VI to address campus antisemitism, student and institutional perspectives on campus life and antisemitism, and strategies for building inclusive and secure campuses.

  • The public briefing will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 10 am to 4:45 pm ET.
  • A public comment session is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Rochelle M. Garza

Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Mondaire Jones

Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and co-leader of the bipartisan investigation.

Peter Kirsanow

Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and co-leader of the bipartisan investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Every student deserves the freedom to learn, speak, and participate fully in campus life without fear of harassment or intimidation. Upholding free speech does not mean tolerating discrimination, and protecting civil rights does not require silencing lawful expression. The Commission is committed to examining how institutions can meet both obligations to ensure that no one's rights are compromised in the process.”

— Rochelle M. Garza, Chair, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Press Release)

“In the Commission's longstanding tradition of examining the implementation of our nation's civil rights laws, I am proud to be co-leading a bipartisan, focused inquiry into the response by the federal government and institutions of higher education to antisemitism on America's college and university campuses. Following the events of October 7, 2023, the scourge of antisemitism in America reached a fever pitch. This was obvious in higher education. It is the Commission's solemn obligation to study how the federal government, and institutions of higher education, have responded to protect Jewish students. I urge the Trump administration, colleges and universities, and the public to engage with our important work.”

— Mondaire Jones, Commissioner, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Press Release)

“Since October 7, 2023, there's been a serious spike in reported instances of antisemitism. The Commission will be examining, among other things, the causes of antisemitism, its prevalence and effects, and strategies to combat and extinguish it.”

— Peter Kirsanow, Commissioner, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Press Release)

What’s next

The Commission will accept written materials from the public for consideration as it prepares its report. Written materials may be submitted to asbriefing@usccr.gov no later than March 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Commission's bipartisan investigation into the federal and institutional response to rising antisemitism on college campuses aims to uphold civil rights protections for Jewish students while also balancing free speech concerns. The findings and recommendations from this inquiry could shape future policies and practices at both the government and university levels.