The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University in Massachusetts, accusing the Ivy League institution of violating the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli individuals following the war in Gaza. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Times, claims Harvard allowed anti-Israel protesters to operate on campus “with impunity” after the 2023 Hamas attack and Israel’s military response.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the filing on X, stating: “Today, we sued Harvard University for enabling and even encouraging antisemitism on its campus. Any school that receives federal funds risks losing those funds if they permit blatant discrimination.” The lawsuit seeks to block up to $9bn in future federal grants and potentially recoup previously awarded funds.
Harvard responded, calling the lawsuit “yet another pretextual and retaliatory action by the administration for refusing to turn over control of Harvard to the federal government.” The university emphasised its commitment to the Jewish and Israeli community and highlighted steps taken to address antisemitism, including enhanced training and policies.
The legal action follows President Trump’s earlier demand for a $1bn payout from Harvard over perceived antisemitism. In September, a federal court ruled that the administration unlawfully cancelled $2.2bn in research grants as part of a feud with Harvard over diversity programmes and pro-Palestinian protests.
The 44-page filing alleges that Harvard “turned a blind eye to antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis” by allowing anti-Israel protests, such as a 2024 encampment, to proceed unchecked. It claims Jewish students were harassed, assaulted, and denied access to facilities, while Harvard “did nothing.”
