Harvard's Indifference to Antisemitism: Judge Rules in Favor of Jewish Students

A federal judge has denied Harvard University's request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by six Jewish students who claim the school failed to adequately address ongoing campus antisemitism. The decision highlights the university's failure to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish students.

A federal judge has ruled that Harvard University did not properly address ongoing campus antisemitism, denying the university's motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by six Jewish students. The ruling comes as part of a growing national debate over antisemitism on college campuses.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns wrote that despite Harvard's public acknowledgment of antisemitism, the university often failed to take appropriate disciplinary measures against offending students and faculty.

Harvard's Indifference to Antisemitism: Judge Rules in Favor of Jewish Students

"To conclude that the [Student Advisory Committee] has not plausibly alleged deliberate indifference would reward Harvard for virtuous public declarations that for the most part, according to the allegations of the [Student Advisory Committee], proved hollow when it came to taking disciplinary measures against offending students and faculty," Stearns wrote.

The students accuse Harvard of "selectively" enforcing campus policies, with several instances where students were penalized for violating various university policies, while students allegedly engaged in antisemitic conduct faced no discipline.

Harvard's Indifference to Antisemitism: Judge Rules in Favor of Jewish Students

The judge summarized, "In other words, the facts as pled show that Harvard failed its Jewish students."

The ruling acknowledges the growing concerns over antisemitism on campus, where Jewish students often feel targeted and unsafe. The lawsuit highlights Harvard's failure to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Harvard's Indifference to Antisemitism: Judge Rules in Favor of Jewish Students

In response to the lawsuit, Harvard faculty and staff have held press conferences to express support for the plaintiffs. Student activists have also organized protests and rallies to demand action from the university.

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the university "has and will continue to take concrete steps to address the root causes of antisemitism on campus and protect our Jewish and Israeli students, ensuring they may pursue their education free from harassment and discrimination."

Harvard's Indifference to Antisemitism: Judge Rules in Favor of Jewish Students

"Harvard is confident that once the facts in this case are made clear, it will be evident that Harvard has acted fairly and with deep concern for supporting our Jewish and Israeli students," Newton added.

Plaintiff Alexander "Shabbos" Kestenbaum, a graduate student, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision, stating, "We are delighted that the judge recognizes what we have been saying for months now: Harvard has enabled, normalized, and celebrated a culture of antisemitism on its campus."

The lawsuit, filed in January, claims Harvard violated the students' Title VI rights by failing to tackle the "antisemitism cancer" growing on campus following the Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7.

The judge ruled that while Harvard did not actively discriminate against Jewish students, the school did not properly address antisemitism. He cited several instances where the university failed to respond appropriately to antisemitic incidents.

The decision is a significant victory for Jewish students at Harvard and sets an important precedent for addressing antisemitism on college campuses nationwide. It highlights the need for universities to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their religion or background.