Harvard Places Pro-Palestinian Group on Probation Amid Funding Threats

Harvard University has paused its research partnership with Birzeit University in the West Bank due to public pressure from pro-Palestinian activists and scrutiny over campus antisemitism. The decision follows a broader campaign at Harvard to sever ties with institutions perceived to support Hamas, which gained momentum after the October 7 attacks on Israel. Concurrently, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestinian Solidarity Committee was placed on probation after violating campus policies during a protest, prohibiting them from accessing campus resources until June 30. This disciplinary action coincides with a federal review threatening nearly $9 billion in funding, aimed at ensuring compliance with civil rights responsibilities related to antisemitism. The student group criticized the sanctions as an infringement on free speech, especially amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Both developments reflect the heightened tensions surrounding Israel-Palestine relations on U.S. campuses.