Harvard Sued Over 2023 Antisemitic Incidents on Campus That Affected Jewish Students

Al Gore Nominated for President of Harvard University

Harvard University will face a lawsuit for encouraging antisemitism after accusations that they made it difficult for Jewish students to study on campus.

Recently, a US judge ruled that two advocacy groups could continue their lawsuit, which accuses Harvard of fostering a hostile environment for the group.

According to US News, the University received complaints from Jewish students dating back to the spring and fall of 2023, saying their case was mishandled by Harvard. Human Rights and Jewish Americans for Fairness and Education want Harvard tried in court to see if they indeed ignored or mishandled antisemitic incidents.

Harvard Sued Over Antisemitism

The lawsuit will proceed on claims of 'deliberate indifference' to harassment, especially after a 'die-in' protest near Harvard Business School, where antisemitic slogans were chanted, and another incident involving a Jewish lecturer who allegedly pressured students to abandon a project because of its connection to Jewish democracy.

The judge, however, dismissed claims of direct discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students and accusations that Harvard retaliated against students who reported antisemitism.

Based on the violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the case will be included in the part where it is prohibited to discriminate based on race, religion, or national origin at institutions that receive federal funding.

It's one of the many lawsuits filed against universities across the US after the October war in Gaza, which the University Herald called a speech suppression. Harvard has taken the hit the most with criticisms that it did not take strong enough action against antisemitism.

Harvard has long emphasized that antisemitism has no place on its campus and they are now taking steps to support Jewish students through stronger disciplinary policies and encouraging civil dialogue.