Harvard Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Alleged Rampant Antisemitism

Harvard University is facing a federal lawsuit from Jewish students alleging rampant antisemitism on campus. Judge Richard Stearns found credible claims that the university was indifferent towards harassment faced by Jewish and Israeli students. The lawsuit accuses Harvard of ignoring pleas for protection and selectively enforcing anti-discrimination policies.

Harvard University must face a lawsuit by Jewish students who accused the Ivy League school of letting its campus become a bastion of rampant antisemitism, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston found plausible accusations that Harvard was deliberately indifferent toward Jewish and Israeli students who said they feared for their safety after facing severe and pervasive harassment.

The judge also said he was "dubious" that Harvard could claim that some of the pro-Palestinian or anti-Jewish activities were protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. "To conclude that the (complaint) has not plausibly alleged deliberate indifference would reward Harvard for virtuous public declarations that for the most part, according to the (complaint), proved hollow," Stearns wrote.

"The facts as pled show that Harvard failed its Jewish students," the judge added. He did not rule on the merits. Students sought an injunction to stop Harvard's alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.

Harvard and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A lawyer for the students, Marc Kasowitz, said in an interview after the decision that Harvard's conduct necessitated changes sought in the lawsuit.

(With inputs from agencies.)