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On Friday, the Trump administration initiated legal action against Harvard University, accusing it of neglecting the safety of Jewish students amid the tensions that have simmered since the onset of the Israel-Gaza War over two years ago.
“Since October 7th, 2023, far too many educational institutions have become breeding grounds for anti-Semitism, with Harvard being no exception,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a Justice Department release. “This lawsuit highlights the Trump Administration’s firm stance on holding educational institutions accountable and striving to eliminate discriminatory practices that jeopardize student welfare.”
The legal complaint, brought before the Federal District Court in Boston, charges Harvard with fostering a “hostile educational environment” where Jewish and Israeli students have faced physical assaults, harassment, and intimidation. According to the filing, safety concerns are so pronounced that some students have resorted to wearing baseball caps to discreetly cover their yarmulkes—a traditional cap with deep religious significance, predominantly worn by men.
This lawsuit marks another chapter in the ongoing friction between the Trump administration and Harvard. Previously, the university took legal action against the administration after federal funding crucial for its research was blocked. The court ruled in Harvard’s favor in that case.
The recent filing accuses the university of permitting protestors to impede access to classrooms and other educational facilities, raising further concerns about campus safety and student rights.
“Harvard’s response to this: do nothing,” the lawsuit said. “Its faculty and leadership turned a blind eye to antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis.”
The lawsuit pointed to Harvard’s pro-Palestinian encampment which the lawsuit alleges the university allowed to last 20 days, with professors canceling or excusing students from class to join the “illicit demonstrations.”
Friday’s lawsuit also alleged that the university “rewarded” demonstrations, noting one instance in November 2023 in which faculty members brought burritos and candy to students who were students occupying a university building.
Some of the evidence cited in the lawsuit has previously been disputed by federal courts, including allegations from a student who said he was assaulted during a 2023 protest.
The Trump administration said Harvard has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination against race or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.
The administration is asking the court to declare that Harvard is in material breach of Title IV, which could allow the federal government halt existing grants. The lawsuit requested that any grant payments made to Harvard during the time of alleged non-compliance be returned.
It also asked for a government-approved independent monitor to oversee compliance with the legislation.
“Harvard 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,” a Harvard spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill responding to the lawsuit. “… Harvard’s efforts demonstrate the very opposite of deliberate indifference.”
“Harvard cares deeply about members of our Jewish and Israeli community and remains committed to ensuring they are embraced, respected, and can thrive on our campus,” the Harvard spokesperson said in the statement.
“We will continue to prioritize this important work and will 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,” the spokesperson added.