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U.S. Department of Education and Health and Human Services Issue Warning to Harvard University

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services have issued a joint warning to Harvard University, citing the school's failure to adhere to federal antidiscrimination laws. The warning was sparked by a compliance review initiated by HHS' OCR, which found evidence of anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination on campus. The university's alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have led to concerns that it may no longer meet the standards for accreditation set by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harvard University has been found to be in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • The warning was issued by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services in response to a compliance review initiated by HHS' OCR.
  • The review, which began on February 3, 2024, found evidence of anti-Semitic incidents during Harvard Medical School's 2024 commencement ceremony.
  • The scope of the compliance review was expanded on April 7, 2025, to include the entire university and a time period from October 7, 2023, to the present.
  • The New England Commission of Higher Education has been notified of Harvard University's potential failure to meet accreditation standards due to the alleged violations.
  • Accreditors are required to notify member institutions of failures to comply with accreditor standards and to establish a plan to return the institution to compliance.
  • If a university fails to come into compliance within a specified period, accreditors are required to take appropriate action against its member institution.

Statistics:

  • The compliance review of Harvard University was initiated on February 3, 2024.
  • The review was expanded on April 7, 2025, to include the entire university.
  • The alleged violations occurred from October 7, 2023, to the present.
  • The New England Commission of Higher Education has been notified of Harvard University's potential failure to meet accreditation standards.
  • Harvard University has been warned of potential enforcement actions if it does not fulfill its obligations under Title VI to protect Jewish students.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Education, "U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services Notify Harvard University's Accreditor of Harvard's Title VI Violation", accessed July 9, [https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-departments-of-education-and-health-and-human-services-notify-harvard-universitys-accreditor-of-harvards-title-vi-violation](https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-departments-of-education-and-health-and-human-services-notify-harvard-universitys-accreditor-of-harvards-title-vi-violation)

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