Harvard University agreed to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of not doing enough to protect Jewish students. The lawsuits came about as a result of numerous pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses last Spring.
The demonstrations took place on campuses across the nation last year after the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated in Gaza.
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. Hamas militants killed an estimated 1,200 Israeli citizens and took another 250 people hostage.
Israel responded with a ground and air campaign that reduced much of Gaza to rubble.
The conflict left about 47,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
What do the settlements stipulate?
Harvard agreed to make it clear in its policies that targeting Zionists can violate its protection of Jewish students.
Under the deal, the university will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which considers certain cases of anti-Zionist or anti-Israel criticism as antisemitism.
Harvard’s nondiscrimination and anti-bullying policies will include this definition.
What is the reaction to the settlements?
The Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law was one of the plaintiffs to sue Harvard, alleging Jewish students were harassed and discriminated against. It also claimed administrators were deliberately indifferent to that treatment, thus violating part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Its Chairman, Kenneth Marcus, said the agreement will allow Jewish students to learn in an environment free from antisemitic hate, discrimination and harassment.
What happens next?
Harvard said it’s taking robust steps to protect Jewish students and ensure they are embraced, respected and can thrive at the university.
Harvard agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to the plaintiffs but did not admit any wrongdoing or liability. However, similar lawsuits against other schools, including Columbia University, continue.
