Trump Administration Accuses Harvard of Anti-Semitic Harassment of Students

The Trump administration has accused Harvard University of failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students from anti-Semitic harassment, warning the institution that it could lose federal funding if it does not address the alleged violations.

In a letter sent to Harvard President Alan Garber, the administration stated that the university has shown “deliberate indifference” toward incidents of anti-Semitism on campus. The accusations include reports of swastika graffiti on an Israeli flag and claims that a significant number of Jewish students feel unsafe while attending the university.

The administration’s findings indicate that Harvard is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at institutions receiving federal funds. The government warned that if Harvard fails to take corrective action, it could face the withdrawal of federal grants and contracts, potentially impacting billions in funding.

Harvard has responded by affirming its commitment to combating discrimination and has pledged to enhance its reporting and disciplinary systems to address incidents of anti-Semitism on campus.

The action against Harvard is part of a broader federal effort to address anti-Semitism at universities across the United States, as the administration emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Jewish and Israeli students can pursue their education without fear or harassment.

With input from Al Jazeera.