The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently found Harvard University in violation of federal law due to its handling of antisemitic protests and activities on campus. This follows the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a terror attack in Israel. The implications of this finding are significant, potentially putting hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding at risk for the prestigious institution.
According to a statement released by HHS, an investigation conducted by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism revealed that Harvard’s actions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, along with other officials from the Trump administration, sent a letter to Harvard University President Alan Garber, highlighting the findings of the investigation. The letter described a troubling atmosphere on campus where Jewish and Israeli students faced harassment and intimidation. Reports indicated that these students were assaulted, had to hide their Jewish identity, and were subjected to anti-Semitic imagery, including a particularly egregious image depicting a dollar sign inside a Star of David.
The investigation’s findings suggest that Harvard has not only been indifferent but has also participated in the harassment of Jewish students, faculty, and staff. A significant number of Jewish students reported experiencing bias and discrimination, with many feeling physically unsafe on campus. The letter outlined that demonstrators violated university rules with calls for violence, creating an environment of fear and disruption for Jewish and Israeli students.
Furthermore, the letter criticized Harvard’s disciplinary processes, stating that those involved in the antisemitic protests faced inadequate consequences. Many students received little to no discipline, raising concerns about fairness and accountability within the university’s administration.
In light of these findings, HHS issued a stern warning to Harvard, stating that failure to implement immediate and adequate changes could lead to the loss of all federal financial resources. Harvard, which received approximately $794 million in federal funding from fiscal year 2023 to 2025, now faces a critical juncture in its relationship with the federal government.
In response, Harvard’s legal team submitted a memo arguing that the government did not conduct a thorough investigation into the claims of antisemitism on campus. They contended that the administrative record lacked meaningful documentation of any investigation, suggesting that the government’s actions were rushed and punitive.
HHS’s determination adds to the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution. Earlier this year, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the Department of Education announced a significant federal funding freeze, citing the university’s refusal to comply with demands for merit-based hiring and admissions policies.
As this situation develops, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in fostering safe and inclusive environments for all students. The implications of this case reach beyond Harvard, serving as a reminder of the critical importance of upholding civil rights and addressing discrimination in all its forms.
For more information on civil rights protections, you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education.