Harvard to face billions in damages over alleged anti-Semitic incidents

US President Donald Trump’s Administration Files Lawsuit Against Harvard University

The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, seeking billions of dollars in restitution for allegedly failing to address anti-Semitism among Jewish and Israeli students. The complaint alleges that the university allowed anti-Semitic sentiments to flourish during protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Harvard University has rejected the allegations, describing them as “yet another pretextual and retaliatory action” from the Trump administration. In a statement, the university emphasized its efforts to address anti-Semitism on campus, including new training programs and disciplinary processes.

The lawsuit seeks to recoup federal grants awarded to Harvard since October 2023, when student protests erupted over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The exact amount of damages sought is unclear.

This lawsuit marks the latest development in a longstanding feud between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The university has been at the center of controversy surrounding anti-Semitism on US campuses, with President Trump frequently citing it as a reason to exert greater control over universities.

In 2025, the Trump administration suspended $400m in federal grants to Columbia University, one of the schools closely associated with pro-Palestinian activism. Later that year, Columbia agreed to pay nearly $220m in penalties.

The lawsuit will be heard by US District Judge Richard Stearns.

Source: Al Jazeera