The Trump administration says Harvard University is in “violent violation” of the Civil Rights Act due to inaction to protect Jewish students, threatening more cuts to federal funding.
The federal Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism sent a letter to Harvard on Monday declaring the conclusion of a Title VI investigation found the school failed to combat antisemitism on campus.
In its examples, the government listed a majority of Jewish students reporting negative bias on campus and a quarter feeling unsafe, Jewish students who were assaulted and campus demonstrations that violated university policies, among other problems.
“Failure to institute adequate changes immediately will result in the loss of all federal financial resources and continue to affect Harvard’s relationship with the federal government. Harvard may of course continue to operate free of federal privileges, and perhaps such an opportunity will spur a commitment to excellence that will help Harvard thrive once again,” the letter states.
A spokesperson for the university said in a statement that “Harvard has taken substantive, proactive steps to address the root causes of antisemitism in its community.
“In responding to the government’s investigation, Harvard not only shared its comprehensive and retrospective Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias Report but also outlined the ways that it has strengthened policies, disciplined those who violate them, encouraged civil discourse, and promoted open, respectful dialogue,” the spokesperson said.
“Harvard is far from indifferent on this issue and strongly disagrees with the government’s findings,” they added.
The letter is the latest salvo in the war between Harvard and the Trump administration after the university refused to cave to demands such as eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
That rejection has led to two lawsuits between the two sides: one over almost $3 billion in paused federal funds, and the other fighting Trump’s directive to take away Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students.
President Trump posted on social media earlier this month that a deal could soon emerge between Harvard and his administration, but no details or mention of an agreement have been spoken of since.
Updated at 11:14 a.m. EDT
