A federal judge has ruled that Harvard University must face a lawsuit centered on claims of fostering a hostile educational environment for Jewish students, though certain allegations have been narrowed. The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education are moving forward with accusations that the prestigious Ivy League institution has failed to adequately address antisemitic harassment, as outlined in incidents from 2023.
These events include allegations against a Kennedy School lecturer who reportedly pressured students to drop a project linking Judaism with democracy, claiming it created an “unsafe space.” Another incident involved a chaotic demonstration near Harvard Business School, where anti-Israel slogans allegedly escalated to physical aggression against an Israeli-Jewish student.
While U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns dismissed accusations of direct discrimination or retaliatory behavior from Harvard, he acknowledged that the university’s apparent “deliberate indifference” could be contested. The claim hinges on Harvard’s perceived insufficient action in disciplining involved faculty and in swiftly addressing the harassment.
Harvard maintains its stance against antisemitism, emphasizing its support for civil discourse and ongoing efforts to bolster the safety and inclusion of Jewish students.
