Judge rejects Harvard’s bid to dismiss lawsuit over antisemitism accusations

By REUTERS

AUGUST 6, 2024 18:08

Updated: AUGUST 6, 2024 18:33

Demonstrators take part in an "Emergency Rally: Stand with Palestinians Under Siege in Gaza," amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., October 14, 2023. (photo credit: BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS) — Demonstrators take part in an "Emergency Rally: Stand with Palestinians Under Siege in Gaza," amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., October 14, 2023.

(photo credit: BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS)

Harvard University’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit from Jewish students accusing it of ignoring antisemitism was denied by a judge.

Harvard University failed to persuade a US judge to dismiss a lawsuit in which Jewish students accused the Ivy League school of letting its campus become a bastion of antisemitism.

Without ruling on the merits, US District Judge Richard Stearns said the plaintiffs plausibly alleged that Harvard's response to on-campus incidents was inadequate, and that "the facts as pled show that Harvard failed its Jewish students."

Graduating students hold a sign reading ''There Are No Universities Left in Gaza'' during the 373rd Commencement Exercises at Harvard University, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, May 23, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/BRIAN SNYDER)

Stearns said he was also "dubious" that Harvard could hide behind the argument that some of the challenged on-campus activity was protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment.

Seeking an injunction

Students sued in January, accusing Harvard of selectively enforcing its anti-discrimination policies to avoid protecting Jewish students from harassment, ignoring their pleas for protection, and hiring professors who supported anti-Jewish violence and spread antisemitic propaganda.

The students sought an injunction to stop Harvard's alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.