One Day After Trump’s Inauguration, Harvard Settles Antisemitism Lawsuits, Agrees to Changes on Campus
Three days after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Harvard University has settled two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic bullying and harassment on campus.
The settlement with the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education, and Students Against Antisemitism includes several changes to how Harvard addresses antisemitism on campus. The university has agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism when reviewing complaints of antisemitic discrimination and harassment.
Additionally, Harvard will post a document online clarifying that people who identify as Jewish and Israeli are covered by the school’s non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies. The school will also draft an annual report detailing its response to discrimination and harassment for the next five years, hire a point person to consult on all complaints of antisemitism, and provide training on combating antisemitism for staff who review complaints.
The settlement comes after Harvard received criticism and complaints from students and faculty for its handling of antisemitic bullying on campus, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The school had previously received a failing grade from the Anti-Defamation League for its policies to protect Jewish students from antisemitism on campus.
The lawsuits, filed last May and January, alleged that Harvard left “cruel anti-Semitic bullying, harassment, and discrimination” unaddressed for years. The settlement has been praised by the Brandeis Center and Students Against Antisemitism, who argue that it demonstrates Harvard’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for Jewish students.
“Today’s settlement reflects Harvard’s enduring commitment to ensuring our Jewish students, faculty, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported,” a Harvard spokesperson said in a statement. “We will continue to strengthen our policies, systems, and operations to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of hate and ensure all members of the Harvard community have the support they need to pursue their academic, research, and professional work and feel they belong on our campus and in our classrooms.”