Harvard University could soon lose millions in federal funding after being accused of violating the Civil Rights Act by failing to protect its Jewish students. This week, the federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, created by an executive order from President Donald Trump, sent Harvard a stern warning: fix the problem fast or forfeit federal support.
What the Government Says Harvard Did Wrong
In its letter, the task force said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights finished a Title VI investigation into discrimination at Harvard. Title VI bars schools from discriminating based on race, color or national origin—and the government says Harvard has fallen short.
Investigators found that a majority of Jewish students said they’d faced bias or discrimination on campus. One in four felt physically unsafe. The letter described Jewish and Israeli students being assaulted, spat on and targeted with antisemitic vandalism. It also called out pro-Palestinian campus protests that, according to the government, included calls for violence and blocked Jewish students from certain spaces.
The task force blasted Harvard for failing to protect students equally, ignoring harassment, and allowing “racial hierarchies” to fester. If Harvard doesn’t fix these problems immediately, it could lose all federal funding—money that supports research, student aid and operations.
What Happens If Harvard Loses Funding
Losing federal money would be a huge blow. Harvard pulls in hundreds of millions in federal research grants every year. It also depends on federal student aid programs to help thousands of students pay tuition.
The task force’s letter put it plainly: “Harvard may of course continue to operate free of federal privileges, and perhaps such an opportunity will spur a commitment to excellence that will help Harvard thrive once again.”
How Harvard Is Responding
Harvard says it “strongly disagrees” with the government’s conclusions. In a statement, the university said it takes antisemitism seriously and has been working hard to address it.
“No matter the context, it is unacceptable,” Harvard said. “Harvard has made significant strides to combat bigotry, hate and bias.”
Last year, Harvard’s president laid out a plan to tackle antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias. The school says it has tightened rules for how campus spaces are used, standardized how investigations and discipline are handled, and added programs to promote civil dialogue and viewpoint diversity. It’s also expanded kosher dining and added antisemitism training to campus workshops.
Tension on Campus and Beyond
The clash between Harvard and the federal government comes as colleges nationwide grapple with a wave of heated protests tied to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Jewish students at many campuses say they’re facing rising harassment and feel unsafe in classrooms and dorms. Meanwhile, some student groups argue they’re being silenced for political views.
The situation has left university leaders in a bind—balancing free speech, campus safety, and federal rules that bar discrimination.
What Comes Next
Harvard says it’s staying the course with its new policies but hasn’t said what changes it might make to satisfy the task force’s demands. The federal government hasn’t set an exact deadline but made clear that action needs to happen fast.
For now, Harvard’s fate hangs in the balance. Losing federal support would be unprecedented for an Ivy League powerhouse. How this showdown ends could ripple far beyond Harvard Yard—shaping how every college in America handles the line between free speech, student safety and civil rights.
