House Committee Releases Harvard Disciplinary Records

House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., accused Harvard on Thursday of “failing to impose meaningful discipline” on students participating in pro-Palestinian campus protests, accusing the University of possibly violating the Civil Code. Bill of Rights.

The update revealed information about the University’s efforts to discipline dozens of students for their participation in two major pro-Palestinian protests on campus: 20-day camp at Harvard Yard last period and 24-hour occupation of University Hall In November 2023.

According to University documents released by the committee, Harvard referred 68 students from Harvard College and six other colleges to disciplinary action for their roles in the camp.

Of these students, 52 are in good standing, 15 are on probation, and one remains on leave after the Harvard College Board of Regents five reversed original suspension and trial periods have been reduced.

The committee also confirmed that the 12 students summoned before the Board of Governors for the University Hall occupation were not subject to probation or suspension.

“Harvard failed, end of story,” Foxx wrote in a statement. “These administrators failed their Jewish students and faculty, failed to clearly state that antisemitism would not be tolerated, and Harvard may have failed in its legal responsibilities to protect students from a hostile environment.”

In a statement, a University spokesperson wrote that Harvard “has updated and strengthened its disciplinary procedures to allow for joint collection of information on matters involving students at more than one school.”

“Harvard’s leaders have clearly articulated to the community our rules, norms and expectations for civil dialogue and responsible behavior, and we unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and prejudice that have no place in our society,” the spokesperson said.

While the committee has consistently criticized Harvard for its handling of reports of antisemitism on campus, this was the first time it publicly accused Harvard of possibly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits institutions such as universities from receiving federal aid. for discriminating based on “race, color, or national origin.” Committee He repeatedly threatened Harvard’s federal funding throughout his months-long investigation.

Harvard already under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights for a Title VI claim accusing Harvard of failing to protect Palestinians and Muslims from discrimination and harassment on campus. Section terminated earlier Title VI investigation University due to allegations of antisemitism sued by six Jewish current and former students on the same allegations.

Harvard is also under investigation five other House committees At the behest of the Republican leadership To investigate the university’s federal funding.

House Education and Workforce Committee, I’ve been researching Harvard since Decembergradually collecting more than 57,000 pages of documents through informal requests and ongoing subpoenas Awarded to Harvard President Alan M. Garber ’76, NP “Narv” Narvekar, CEO of the Harvard Management Corporation, and Penny S. Pritzker ’81, senior fellow of the Harvard Corporation, the University’s highest governing body.

The committee was particularly critical of the Harvard College Board of Regents’ decision to reduce sanctions on students participating in the pro-Palestinian camp, as well as inconsistent disciplinary procedures between Harvard’s different schools.

Although the Harvard College Advertising Board initially imposed multi-term disciplinary sanctions on undergraduates referred for discipline, five of Harvard’s graduate schools decided not to impose “meaningful sanctions,” the committee wrote.

These less severe disciplinary measures included “informal warnings,” cautions, and community service requirements.

However, the committee added that the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences imposed disciplinary punishment of six months to one year on 10 students for participating in the camp.

“Harvard investigated and documented violations of student policies, some of which were deemed to warrant semester-long suspensions, but ultimately failed to enforce its own rules and impose meaningful discipline,” the committee wrote.

The committee also criticized the College’s decision. recognition decision Following the group, the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee became the official student group this semester. suspended last period.

“This return occurred despite PSC’s role and membership in organizing the illegal Harvard camp through Harvard from Occupied Palestine, an unrecognized group,” the committee wrote.

University administrators had previously threatened protesters with disciplinary action. Silent pro-Palestinian demonstration Saturday at Widener Library.

It remains to be seen whether Harvard will follow through on such a warning.

—Staff writer Emma H. Haidar can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @HaidarEmma.

—Staff writer Cam E. Kettles can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @cam_kettles or on Topics @camkettles.