UW-Madison may lose federal funding for 'antisemitic discrimination'
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Another federal funding threat is underway at Wisconsin's largest university, this time linked to campus protests that occurred last spring.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is among 60 institutions accused this week by the Trump administration for "failing to address antisemitism" on campus.
It's part of a much broader investigation happening at select colleges and universities over how they handled the pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.
Late Monday, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to UW-Madison and several other campuses saying they are "deeply disappointed" Jewish students "continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year."
"University leaders must do better,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon wrote. “U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.”
Towards the end of the 2024 spring semester, students at UW-Madison joined a nationwide protest against the war in Gaza by pitching tents and building encampments.
Police arrested more than 30 students over a two-week period.
UW System President Jay Rothman expressed concerns about the threat of losing federal aid after Columbia University was the first to face financial consequences by the Trump administration related to antisemitism incidents.
"I think we are concerned generally about what the status of federal funding will be," Rothman told CBS 58. "Certainly, we have seen the record Madison has established and the work they've done in handling the protesters. Difficult situation, but I condemn Chancellor Munchkin and her leadership team for how they handled that."
About a third of UW-Madison's budget comes from federal funding, upwards to $900 million.
UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas said the university “condemns antisemitism in all its forms" and " is continuing efforts to build a welcoming and inclusive community in the broadest sense, all of which aid the university’s continuing efforts to prevent and address antisemitism.”
On Friday, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in grants and contracts at Columbia University, citing "the school's continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students."
It follows a string of actions by President Donald Trump targeting what he called "illegal protests." During his first few days in office, Trump signed an executive order against antisemitism on college campuses, even threating to pull visas for pro-Palestinian protesters.
Protests reignited in New York after pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested at Columbia University. On Monday, a judge blocked his deportation.