Cambridge, MA – Harvard University has agreed to strengthen its policies against antisemitism by adopting a broader definition of antisemitism as part of a settlement of two federal lawsuits. The lawsuits accused the university of failing to adequately prevent antisemitic discrimination and harassment on campus.
Under the settlement, Harvard will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which considers certain criticisms of Israel and Zionism as antisemitic. Critics argue that this definition conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism and may suppress free speech and academic debate. However, Harvard described the move as one of several “robust steps” to ensure that Jewish and Israeli students are treated with the same urgency as other protected groups.
As part of the agreement, the university will publicly post an explainer acknowledging that, “For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity.” Harvard will also provide examples of antisemitism, including “excluding Zionists from events, calling for the death of Zionists, and imposing a ‘no Zionist’ litmus test for participation in Harvard activities.”
Additionally, for the next five years, Harvard will publicly disclose outcomes of antisemitism-related complaints alongside reports of other bias-related incidents. The university will also require outside training for staff handling antisemitism complaints and allocate additional resources to study the issue, such as hosting an annual symposium and partnering with an Israeli university.
Harvard University and the advocacy group Students Against Antisemitism have announced a settlement to resolve claims of inadequate responses to antisemitism on campus. As part of the agreement, Harvard will take significant steps to combat antisemitism and ensure Jewish and Israeli students receive the same protection and consideration as all other groups under the university’s non-discrimination policies.
The settlement builds on measures Harvard has implemented over the past year and underscores the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. A key element of the agreement is the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including accompanying examples, as interpreted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Harvard will integrate this definition into its existing Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies (NDAB), which already prohibit discrimination based on ancestry, religion, national origin, and political beliefs.
Enhanced Policies and Transparency Measures
As part of the settlement, Harvard will publish an FAQ document alongside its NDAB policies to clarify that both Jewish and Israeli identities are protected under university rules. The FAQ will emphasize that discrimination targeting Zionists may also constitute antisemitism if it meets policy criteria. Examples of prohibited conduct include:
- Excluding Zionists from open events.
- Calling for the death of Zionists.
- Imposing a “no Zionist” litmus test for participation in activities.
- Promoting stereotypes or conspiracies, such as “Zionists control the media.”
- Harassing individuals by demanding their views on Israel or Zionism.
Harvard has also agreed to enhance transparency by publishing an annual report for the next five years detailing the university’s response to complaints of discrimination or harassment based on protected traits under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The reports will include a retrospective analysis of antisemitism-related disciplinary actions since October 2023 and compare Harvard’s responses to antisemitism complaints with those addressing other forms of bias.
Commitment to Education and Awareness
To further combat antisemitism, Harvard will host an annual academic symposium focusing on antisemitism, particularly in American universities. Additionally, the university will reaffirm its stance against antisemitism and hate annually and introduce specialized training programs for staff handling discrimination complaints.
Under the settlement, Harvard will:
- Provide expert training for staff on antisemitism and the IHRA definition.
- Offer annual anti-antisemitism awareness training to the broader university community.
- Ensure that Title VI and NDAB policies are enforced equitably for all students, including Jewish and Israeli students.
Monetary Terms and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
While Harvard has agreed to undisclosed monetary terms as part of the settlement, the university has not admitted to any wrongdoing or liability. However, plaintiff Alexander (Shabbos) Kestenbaum has opted out of the agreement and will continue his claims against Harvard with new legal representation.
Statements from Harvard and Students Against Antisemitism
A Harvard spokesperson reaffirmed the university’s dedication to creating an inclusive campus:
“We are committed to ensuring our Jewish community is embraced, respected, and can thrive at Harvard. We are resolute in our efforts to confront antisemitism and will continue to implement robust steps to maintain a welcoming, open, and safe campus environment where every student feels a sense of belonging.”
A representative from Students Against Antisemitism welcomed the agreement, stating:
“With this settlement, Harvard is demonstrating leadership in the fight against antisemitism and upholding the rights of Jewish students. We appreciate Harvard’s proactive approach to implementing effective long-term changes and its strong commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.”
Looking Ahead
The resolution marks a significant step in addressing concerns over antisemitism at Harvard, setting a potential precedent for other institutions facing similar challenges. Marc Kasowitz, counsel for Students Against Antisemitism, commended Harvard’s efforts and called on other universities to follow suit.