Harvard Antisemitism Lawsuit Moves Forward

A U.S. federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against Harvard University to proceed, denying the school's motion to dismiss claims that it failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit, filed by Jewish students and Students Against Antisemitism Inc., alleges that Harvard demonstrated 'deliberate indifference' towards harassment and discrimination following pro-Palestinian protests after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Judge Richard Stearns found that plaintiffs plausibly alleged that Harvard's response was inadequate and criticized the university's claim that its actions were protected by free speech principles. The judge emphasized that Harvard's public declarations against antisemitism were not matched by effective disciplinary measures. The case will now proceed to discovery, where the plaintiffs aim to further substantiate their claims.