The Trump administration is escalating its fight to reshape American education by filing lawsuits against universities, school districts, and states, marking a shift from its previous coercive tactics. This new strategy delivered a significant victory this week when a federal judge ordered the University of Pennsylvania to provide lists of Jewish staff as part of an antisemitism investigation. The administration's legal offensive includes 10 lawsuits filed in the past five months targeting institutions over education policies and practices.

Previously, the administration attempted to force compliance through funding cuts and investigations, but faced repeated legal setbacks. Federal judges in California and Massachusetts ruled its tactics unlawful, and no deals were struck with elite universities in the past four months. The Justice Department now argues its lawsuits are a legitimate 'dual-track approach' to protect students and end 'harmful practices,' though critics see it as an attempt to reshape the system.

The lawsuits target diverse issues: Harvard faces accusations of antisemitism and claims its admissions policies violate Supreme Court rulings. The administration also sued Minnesota over transgender student protections and joined cases against Los Angeles and Minneapolis school districts over diversity initiatives. Legal experts warn the strategy faces hurdles, including shaky legal foundations, as the government seeks its 'pound of flesh' through the courts.