U.S. Sues Harvard, Claiming Failure to Protect Jewish Students

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Harvard University on Friday, alleging the institution failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from discrimination. The Justice Department claims Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin in federally funded programs. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, marks the latest escalation in the administration's ongoing battle with the university.

The 44-page filing alleges Harvard demonstrated "deliberate indifference to discriminatory harassment of Jewish and Israeli students and creation of a hostile educational environment" after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The Justice Department argues Harvard allowed anti-Israel protesters to operate on campus "with impunity" following the attack and Israel's subsequent military response. The suit claims Jewish and Israeli students were subjected to "severe, pervasive and objectively offensive harassment" on campus.

The lawsuit seeks to compel Harvard to comply with federal civil rights law. The administration is seeking to recover billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies awarded to what it calls a discriminatory institution. The Justice Department is asking the court to block the distribution of up to $9 billion in future grants.

Harvard released a statement vowing to "defend the University against this lawsuit, which represents yet another pretextual and retaliatory action by the administration for refusing to turn over control of Harvard to the federal government." A Harvard spokesperson stated the school "has taken substantive, proactive steps to address the root causes of antisemitism and actively enforces anti-harassment and anti-discrimination rules and policies on campus." Harvard argues it is being unfairly penalized for refusing to adopt the administration’s views.

The Trump administration previously attempted to freeze Harvard's funding, citing the university's alleged failure to address antisemitism and enact other reforms. A federal judge ruled last September that the administration illegally blocked nearly $2 billion in federal grants. The administration also reportedly considered stripping Harvard of its tax-exempt status.

The lawsuit alleges Harvard fostered a campus climate where "hostile antisemitism and anti-Israeli conduct thrives." It claims Jewish and Israeli students were denied access to educational facilities by demonstrators. The suit further alleges students were "harassed, physically assaulted, stalked, and spat upon."

If successful, the lawsuit could significantly impact Harvard's financial resources. Federal money for research funding made up 11% of the university’s operating revenue in 2024. University leaders have warned that without federal money, multiple crucial science and medical research programs would "come to a halt midstream".

Pam Bondi, the attorney general, stated that any school receiving federal funds risks losing those funds if they permit blatant discrimination.