Critics are slamming Harvard University for its response to antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas war. The Ivy League institution established task forces to address bias and antisemitism on campus, but experts have criticized the approach as inadequate and biased. Liora Rez, founder of StopAntisemitism, argued that the task forces should have focused more on combating antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias, which she believes are more prevalent on campus.
Rez criticized one recommendation to fund a visiting professorship in Palestinian studies, calling it “laughable” given the discrimination Jewish and Israeli students have faced. She claimed that the task forces’ recommendations actually perpetuate antisemitism rather than combat it. William Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, accused Harvard of sanitizing antisemitism under the guise of fighting Islamophobia.
Jacobson argued that universities should dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bureaucracies and refocus on respecting individual students rather than categorizing them based on identity groups. The task forces at Harvard focused on creating a safe environment and fostering constructive dialogue, but critics believe the recommendations fall short of addressing the root causes of antisemitism on campus.
Harvard University has faced backlash over its handling of antisemitism and plagiarism controversies, leading to resignations and internal complaints within the institution. Despite efforts to address the issue, major donors have pulled their contributions amid the chaos. Harvard Provost Alan M. Garber has taken over leadership of the university as it navigates these challenges.