Education Department Launches New Investigations Into Harvard
On Monday, the Ministry of Education announced that two new investigations into Harvard University have been initiated, focusing on claims of discrimination and anti-Semitism.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education is looking into whether the prestigious institution is still engaging in unlawful race-based preferences in admissions, despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against affirmative action. Moreover, OCR will investigate ongoing allegations of anti-Semitism on campus and the university’s alleged failure to protect its Jewish students.
“Harvard University should know better. It’s a school with a history tied to a landmark Supreme Court case that uncovered significant racial discrimination in admissions. They’ve faced scrutiny for allowing severe anti-Semitic harassment,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. She emphasized that the OCR would conduct a thorough investigation into these complaints.
McMahon further remarked, “No one is above the law, not even Harvard. If they continue to hinder our inquiry into their compliance with anti-discrimination laws, we will hold them accountable to ensure the rights of students are safeguarded.”
The Department of Education also shared that OCR has issued a “letter of imminent enforcement action” to Harvard for not providing requested information related to its admissions process.
“In May 2025, OCR began looking into whether Harvard still employs racial stereotypes and preferences in its undergraduate admissions. Despite multiple requests for data, Harvard has not supplied OCR with the necessary information to assess compliance,” the department mentioned in a release. They noted that Harvard has 20 calendar days to respond or risk enforcement actions, which could involve referral to the U.S. Department of Justice.
This investigation was announced shortly after the Department of Justice revealed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Harvard. The lawsuit accuses the university of not adequately protecting Jewish and Israeli students from harassment and discrimination following the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.
A Harvard spokesperson communicated to Breitbart News that the university is “reviewing the U.S. Department of Education’s policy.” They expressed concern that this could be seen as retaliation against Harvard for its commitment to independence and constitutional rights.
The spokesperson added, “Harvard University is dedicated to confronting anti-Semitism and ensuring that Jewish and Israeli students, faculty, and staff feel supported and safe. We are continually enhancing our policies and educational initiatives to prevent harassment and discrimination, while fostering an environment where open dialogue and mutual respect can thrive.”
They continued, “We comply with the law regarding admissions practices and adhere to Supreme Court rulings on fair student admissions. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or national origin, and will work responsibly with federal agencies to meet our legal obligations.”
