Harvard settles in Title VI antisemitism lawsuits

Harvard University has settled in two lawsuits that accused the school of antisemitism on campus.

The first, brought by Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education, accused the elite institution of creating a hostile education environment for Jewish students.

In the settlement, Harvard agreed to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

A FAQ sheet regarding Harvard’s bullying policies will also include an example that explains how Zionism is part of many Jewish individuals' identity.

“Conduct that would violate the Non- Discrimination Policy if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the policy if directed toward Zionists. Examples of such conduct include excluding Zionists from an open event, calling for the death of Zionists, applying a ‘no Zionist’ litmus test for participation in any Harvard activity, using or disseminating tropes, stereotypes, and conspiracies about Zionists (e.g., ‘Zionists control the media’), or demanding a person who is or is perceived to be Jewish or Israeli to state a position on Israel or Zionism to harass or discriminate,” the example will read.

Another part of the settlement includes partnering with a university in Israel.

All of the concessions the university made are likely to anger pro-Palestinian activists on campus.

“Today’s settlement reflects Harvard’s enduring commitment to ensuring our Jewish students, faculty, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported,” the school said in a statement.

In the second antisemitism lawsuit, brought on by Students Against Antisemitism, many of the same agreements were made such as the adoption of IHRA’s definition of antisemitism and examples of how comments against Zionism could be discriminatory.

The school said it would also give expert training to staff on antisemitism and reaffirm its commitment to antisemitism and how it is combatting it annually.

“This resolution includes specific, meaningful actions to combat antisemitism, hate and bias on college campuses that illustrate the University’s strong commitment to further protecting their Jewish and Israeli community. I commend them for taking these steps and encourage others to follow their lead,” said Marc Kasowitz of Kasowitz Benson Torres, counsel for Students Against Antisemitism.

The same day Harvard announced the settlements a bipartisan bill was reintroduced in the Senate to make it easier for students to file civil rights complaints against campuses due to their heritage.

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