Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s $2.6B Harvard Antisemitism Lawsuit

A federal judge in Boston dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Harvard University on Thursday, August 13, ruling the administration failed to prove an ongoing violation of civil rights law. The case sought to recover $2.6 billion in federal research grants and alleged Harvard turned a blind eye to antisemitism targeting Jewish students after October 7, 2023. Judge Richard Stearns found the incidents cited were too isolated to support the claim.

What the judge ruled

U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns, a Clinton appointee, ruled the administration failed to prove an ongoing violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The judge wrote the incidents were “too isolated and episodic” to support the government’s claim. Most examples occurred before June 30, 2025, when the government first told Harvard it was not in compliance with federal law. The judge said the lawsuit did not adequately allege failures after that notice.

What the Trump administration alleged

The Justice Department filed the lawsuit in March 2026, seeking to recover billions in federal research grants awarded since October 2023. The administration argued Harvard faculty and leadership “turned a blind eye to antisemitism” and that Jewish students were “harassed, physically assaulted, stalked, and spat upon” during pro-Palestinian protests. The government claimed Harvard violated its contract by failing to protect these students under Title VI, which bars discrimination in federally funded programs.

Harvard’s response and reforms

Harvard President Alan Garber said the university formed a task force to combat antisemitism and hired new leadership to address the issue. The university reformed discipline policies to make them “more consistent, fair and effective.” In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, Harvard said it “cares deeply about members of our Jewish and Israeli community and remains committed to ensuring they are embraced, respected, and can thrive on our campus.”

What happens next

Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, said the administration disagrees with the ruling and is assessing next steps. The Trump administration has pursued multiple legal actions against Harvard and other universities, including an appeal over $2 billion in frozen grants and separate cases involving international student enrollment and other issues. The administration also sued the University of California twice in 2026 over similar antisemitism allegations.

Final Thoughts

The dismissal marks a setback for the Trump administration’s broader campaign to reshape higher education policy. Other legal battles between the administration and Harvard remain ongoing, including disputes over billions in federal funding.

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