US judge dismisses Trump administration's lawsuit against Harvard over antisemitism claims

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration against Harvard University, which accused the institution of failing to adequately address antisemitism on campus. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston ruled that the government did not provide sufficient evidence that Harvard violated provisions of the U.S. Civil Rights Act designed to protect against discrimination.

The U.S. Department of Justice had sued Harvard in March 2024, alleging the university tolerated a "hostile environment" for Jewish and Israeli students during pro-Palestinian protests. The administration claimed Harvard did not take sufficient action against antisemitic and anti-Israeli behavior on campus.

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the government did not provide sufficient evidence that Harvard violated provisions of the U.S. Civil Rights Act designed to protect against discrimination.

The lawsuit sought to compel Harvard to repay significant federal funding and prevent it from receiving future grants. Harvard stated that it takes the safety of its Jewish and Israeli students and staff seriously and has implemented various measures to combat antisemitism.

This case is part of a broader pattern of actions by the Trump administration against universities it deems politically left-leaning. Previous attempts by the administration to withhold billions in federal funding from Harvard and block international student admissions were largely halted by court orders.

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the university takes the safety of its Jewish and Israeli students and staff seriously and has implemented various measures to combat antisemitism.