Judge dismisses Trump administration lawsuit alleging antisemitism at Harvard University

A federal judge in Boston dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration accusing Harvard University of failing to address antisemitism on campus. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns ruled that the administration had not demonstrated a violation of federal civil rights laws. The lawsuit, filed in March, centered on incidents that occurred during the 2023-24 academic year, with a few from early 2025.

Judge Stearns stated that the isolated and episodic nature of the cases was insufficient to prove a persistent violation. Harvard and the White House did not comment on the decision. The lawsuit alleged that Harvard officials did not protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Hamas' attacks on Israel in October 2023.

Harvard had previously stated its commitment to supporting its Jewish and Israeli community and enforcing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. The government sought to recover billions of dollars in federal research grants awarded to Harvard since October 2023, arguing they could be recouped under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.