In a dramatic move on June 30, 2025, the White House announced that Harvard University violated the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Notice of Violation based on Harvard's "deliberate indifference" to antisemitic harassment at Harvard, with the threat of withholding federal funds. This is an addition to the Biden administration's response to campus antisemitism allegations amid heightened tensions triggered by the Israel–Hamas conflict.
/*Findings and Legal Grounds*/
HHS study concluded that between October 2023 and the current time, Harvard facilitated a hostile campus environment for Jewish and Israeli students, such as acts of assault, spitting, vandalism (e.g., swastikas), and campus encampments calling for genocide, all of which took place with "deliberate indifference" from university officials. Paula Stannard, Director of HHS's Office for Civil Rights, warned the university: "Harvard's public commitments … fall short to significantly address these serious findings". The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti‑Semitism reinforced it, warning Harvard that failure to act to make necessary reforms could result in the loss of "all federal financial resources".
/*Harvard's Response and Context*/
Harvard President Alan Garber responded by reaffirming the university's commitment to combating antisemitism and pointing to policy reforms adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, enhancing disciplinary measures, and expanding training. But Harvard disputes the findings, pointing to prior remedial efforts and citing lawsuits against the federal government. A federal judge temporarily put visa revocations on hold pending ongoing litigation.
/*Donor Pressure and Historical Tensions*/
The crisis erupted in October 2023 amid intimidation and pro-Palestinian sit-ins by students on campus. High-profile alumni, Senator Mitt Romney and hedge fund manager Seth Klarman, publicly criticized Harvard's leadership. Pandemic pro-Palestinian protests included "die-in" events and walkouts and resulted in donor withdrawals of millions. These tensions followed on the heels of legal pressure, including a 2025 settlement adopting IHRA standards and January institutional changes.
/*Biden Administration Intervention and Voices*/
Addressing the White House, Press Secretary Ashleigh Rains stated: "Federal law prohibits discrimination based on national origin. Harvard failed that test." HHS Secretary noted the results indicate a higher failure to safeguard Jewish students. Republican Representative Tim Walberg commended the measure, saying it held universities accountable for holding all students safe. Harvard and civil rights organizations argue the intervention is contrary to academic freedom.
/*Future Steps and Implications*/
Harvard faces the loss of nearly $800 million in HHS grants and broader federal grants if it does not act. The university is negotiating with federal officials, with settlement options being discussed. The lawsuit represents increased federal enforcement under Title VI, especially following President Trump's January 2025 executive order combating antisemitism on campus. Broader implications include a revisiting of policies of campus speech and the balance of free speech and safe learning environments.