A US federal task force sent a letter to Harvard University President Alan Garber on 30/6, accusing the administration of "failing to protect students during anti-Israel protests" on campus.

"In numerous instances, Harvard University has deliberately ignored and even intentionally engaged in antisemitic harassment targeting students, faculty, and staff," the task force said.

The Harvard University logo at the school in Cambridge, Massachusetts on 15/4. Photo: AP

The task force stated that a significant number of Jewish students at Harvard feel discriminated against, claiming that 25% of this student group feel unsafe. "Jewish and Israeli students have been assaulted. They have to hide their kippahs for fear of harassment and conceal their identities from classmates for fear of ostracism," the letter read.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Harvard University "violated civil rights law" and warned the school would "not receive a dime of taxpayer funding" if it violated federal law.

Harvard officials denied the task force's accusations, asserting that the school has "taken proactive and meaningful steps to address the root causes of antisemitism within its community".

According to AP, if found to have violated civil rights, Harvard could be denied federal loans and grants for students to attend the school. This penalty is considered a "death sentence" in US higher education.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)