A former Justice Department lawyer has filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that the federal task force created to combat antisemitism was used to pressure three Ivy League universities into costly settlements. The complaint, obtained by the Associated Press, says the investigations were rushed, lacked factual support, and were driven by political objectives rather than legal violations.
Task force origins and alleged misconduct
The multi‑agency task force was launched in February 2025 by the Justice Department under then‑Attorney General Pam Bondi. Lawyers representing the former employee, identified as Haley Van Erem, describe the effort as marked by “extraordinary procedural irregularities” and outcomes that were predetermined without regard to evidence. The complaint asserts that the task force sought to extract money from schools through settlement demands and funding freezes, using antisemitism allegations as a pretext.
Allegations against specific universities
According to the filing, the investigation into Brown University found no evidence of a Title VI violation – the civil‑rights provision that bars discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs receiving federal funds. Yet, the complaint says Brown’s leadership refused to issue a notice of no violation and instead pursued a settlement despite acknowledging the lack of a legal basis.
In the case of Columbia University, investigators did find evidence of discrimination, but the complaint alleges the probe was conducted on an accelerated timetable, relying on news reports and litigation filings rather than thorough factual development. The investigation allegedly implicated protected First Amendment activity.
Harvard University was reportedly subjected to “extraordinary funding freezes and sweeping proposed settlement terms” before any determination of Title VI violations could be made. The complaint cites a statement from Sean Keveney, then acting general counsel at Health and Human Services, who believed Harvard would settle because it was “over a barrel.”
Financial settlements and judicial rulings
Columbia University agreed to pay the government $200 million to restore access to federal funding. Brown University separately agreed to pay $50 million to Rhode Island workforce‑development organizations to end three federal investigations, despite no findings of wrongdoing.
A federal judge last year ordered the administration to reverse more than $2.6 billion in research‑fund cuts to Harvard, describing the government’s actions as using antisemitism as a “smokescreen” for an ideologically motivated assault on premier universities. A separate judge recently dismissed a lawsuit accusing Harvard of ignoring harassment of Jewish students.
Political context and reactions
The complaint arrives amid ongoing debate over the federal government’s approach to alleged antisemitism on college campuses, an issue that resurfaced during protests over the war in Gaza. President Donald Trump has framed his administration’s efforts as a response to what he called unchecked antisemitism under the previous administration. Critics, however, argue that the task force’s actions infringe on free‑speech rights and constitute a heavy‑handed use of federal power.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, wrote to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, calling the investigations “a pre‑baked frame‑up operation” designed to harass professors, curtail academic freedom, and strip institutions of grant money.
Whistleblower’s departure
Van Erem, who spent nearly a decade in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division before being assigned to the task force, left the department in May 2025. She stated she was “unwilling to be made vulnerable to further participation in politically motivated investigations unsupported by facts and contrary to law.” The complaint was filed with the inspectors general at the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, as well as the Office of Special Counsel.
Spokespeople for the Justice Department and Health and Human Services have not responded to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
