The Digester

The Justice Department sued Harvard, alleging the university allowed anti-Israel protests that discriminated against Jewish and Israeli students and asking a court to rule the school in breach of Title VI, a move that could threaten billions in federal research funding.

Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts accusing Harvard of violating the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli students by allowing anti-Israel protests to proceed unchecked.
The complaint cites a three-week 2024 pro-Palestinian encampment and alleges students were harassed, denied access to facilities, and hid religious identity for safety.
The government asks the court to find Harvard in breach of Title VI, which could block up to $9bn in future federal grants and permit recoupment of past funds.
Federal research grants are a meaningful revenue source for Harvard, reported at about 11% of operating revenue in 2024 and roughly $800m per year in direct federal funds.
A September federal ruling found the administration unlawfully canceled $2.2bn in research grants to Harvard, and the university has countersued the government for perceived interference.
Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the allegations while saying the university must continue fighting hate and complying with the law.
This is the second recent suit against Harvard, following a Justice Department filing about affirmative action data and after a blocked executive order on foreign students.

Trump administration sues Harvard over alleged antisemitism after Gaza protests

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