Harvard Settles Title VI Antisemitism Lawsuits, Adopts IHRA Definition to Protect Jewish and Israeli Students

Jan 21, 2025, 10:04 PM

Harvard University has settled two Title VI lawsuits accusing the institution of mishandling antisemitism on campus. The settlements, reached on Tuesday, involve an undisclosed amount and come just one day after President Donald Trump's inauguration. As part of the agreement, Harvard will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes certain criticisms of Israel as antisemitic. The university will also clarify that its non-discrimination policies protect Jewish and Israeli students, and will establish an official partnership with a university in Israel. Additionally, Harvard will appoint an employee to supervise antisemitism complaints and will compile an annual report 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 the latter alleging that Harvard failed to protect Jewish students from severe and pervasive antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel. The settlements do not admit wrongdoing or liability by Harvard.