Harvard University official announcements or press releases

Harvard Settles Title VI Antisemitism Lawsuits, Adopts IHRA Definition and Partners with Israeli University

Jan 21, 2025, 08:49 PM

Harvard University has settled two Title VI lawsuits that accused the institution of failing to adequately address antisemitism on campus. The settlements, reached just one day after President Donald Trump's inauguration, include Harvard's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition will be integrated into the university's anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies. Harvard will also clarify that these policies protect Jewish and Israeli students, and will establish an official partnership with a university in Israel. Additionally, the university will appoint a dedicated individual to handle antisemitism complaints and will produce annual reports on Title VI complaints for the next five years. The lawsuits were filed by Students Against Antisemitism and the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, with allegations stemming from incidents following Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023. Harvard's decision to settle comes amidst a broader context of universities addressing similar complaints ahead of potential changes in federal policy under the new administration.