Harvard Violated Civil Rights Act, Federal Investigation Concludes

by Emily Washburn | June 30, 2025 | Culture

Harvard University violated the Civil Rights Act by ignoring and perpetuating antisemitism on campus, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has concluded.

“After a thorough investigation, HHS’ Office of Civil Rights finds that Harvard University is in violent violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin,” the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, of which HHS is a member, notified Harvard President Alan Garber of the investigation’s conclusion, declaring:

Harvard has been in some cases indifferent, and in other has been a willful participant in antisemitic harassment of Jewish students, faculty and staff.

HHS’ findings echo those in Harvard’s own, much-delayed report on campus antisemitism, which concluded:

  • One in four Jewish and Israeli students (26%) felt “physically unsafe” at Harvard.
  • Half (49%) felt Harvard did not “[support] their wellbeing.”
  • More than two-thirds (67%) felt uncomfortable expressing their opinions, and most (73%) felt uncomfortable “expressing their political opinions specifically.”
  • Nearly 60% claimed they had “experienced some form of discrimination, stereotyping or negative bias on campus due to [their] views on current events.”
  • Three in four (75%) believed there were “academic and professional penalties” for expressing their opinions.

Harvard’s report cited Jewish and Israeli students, faculty and staff who reported hiding their Jewish identity to avoid harassment. Others described being barred from campus clubs and facilities.

Despite clear evidence of rampant antisemitism, victims testified, Harvard failed to communicate and enforce campus rules or create a system to investigate harassment.

In its letter to Garber, the task force pointedly noted:

Harvard did not dispute our findings of fact, nor could it.

Though unsurprising, HHS’ finished investigation marks another important step toward stripping the school of federal funding.

Harvard is on track to receive nearly $9 billion federal tax dollars in the next several years. The Trump administration froze $2.8 billion-worth of these contracts and grants in April, alleging the university forfeited the funds by breaking federal civil rights law.

Harvard and its allies quickly sued over the funding freeze, claiming the government could not withhold federal money for civil rights violations without conducting an official investigation and giving the school time to fix ongoing abuses.

HHS’ official investigation and notice to President Garber could help fulfill these requirements and give the government a leg up when the case goes to court in July.

Publicly, Harvard remains at odds with the Trump administration, not just over antisemitism, but over refusing to cooperate with immigration law enforcement, accepting donations from foreign countries and failing to jettison “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” policies.

Still, the president claims successful negotiations are occurring behind closed doors.

“We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a deal will be announced over the next week or so,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social on June 20.

“They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations and appear to be committed to doing what is right,” he continued.

Such a deal may have to wait until the geopolitical landscape settles down, but the Daily Citizen sincerely hopes the elite institution has changed its tune. History teaches us antisemitism is wrong and cannot be allowed to fester.

The joint task force makes a similar note in its letter to Garber.

“As history has proven, the failure to face the reality of antisemitism can have catastrophic effects,” it warns, further referencing Yiddish literary scholar Ruth Wisse:

The Holocaust engulfed Europe due to the “disbelief, incredulity and denial on the part of both victims and onlookers” which “worked to the advantage of those who wanted to eradicate the Jews.”

Harvard needs a strong dose of moral clarity and a renewed will to fight antisemitism. Until then, it shouldn’t receive a single dime of taxpayers’ money.

Additional Articles and Resources

White House Considers Taking Billions from Harvard; Giving to Trade Schools Instead

McMahon to Harvard: No More Federal Grants

Harvard Antisemitism Investigation Reveals Pervasive Mistreatment of Jewish Students

Harvard Sues Feds Over Multi-Billion Dollar Funding Freeze