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Harvard Settles Title VI Antisemitism Lawsuits, Enhances Protections for Jewish and Israeli Students

Jan 21, 2025, 08:10 PM

Harvard University has settled two Title VI lawsuits accusing the institution of failing to adequately address antisemitism on campus. The settlements, reached on Tuesday, include Harvard's commitment to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which has been a point of contention due to its broad scope. Harvard will also clarify that its non-discrimination policies extend to Jewish and Israeli students, and will establish an official partnership with a university in Israel. These actions come in response to allegations of severe and pervasive antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which led to increased tensions and protests on campus. The lawsuits were filed by Students Against Antisemitism and the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, among others, and Harvard's agreement to these terms aims to enhance protections for Jewish students and ensure a more inclusive campus environment.